Smithfield ham glaze is a sweet, sticky coating that is brushed on Smithfield hams during the curing process. It forms a delicious, caramelized crust on the outside of the ham while keeping the inside tender and juicy. But what exactly is in this signature glaze that makes Smithfield ham so distinctive?
Main Ingredients
While glaze recipes can vary between producers, most Smithfield ham glazes contain just a few main ingredients:
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Molasses
- Salt
- Spices and seasonings
Here is a breakdown of the role each of these ingredients plays in creating that one-of-a-kind Smithfield ham flavor:
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is one of the primary ingredients in Smithfield ham glaze. Dark brown sugar like muscovado or Demerara provides deep molasses notes and promotes caramelization on the ham’s exterior. The brown sugar also balances the saltiness from the curing process.
Honey
Honey adds sweetness and a subtle floral aroma to Smithfield ham glaze. Clover honey is commonly used for its mild flavor that allows the other ingredients to shine. The natural sugars in honey promote browning and caramelization on the ham’s crust.
Molasses
Adding molasses to the glaze provides rich, robust flavor notes. Blackstrap molasses is often used for its concentrated sugary-bitter taste. The high sugar content also aids browning while the slight bitterness balances the glaze’s sweetness.
Salt
A small amount of salt is included in the glaze to complement the salt used to cure the ham. This enhances the overall savory qualities of Smithfield ham.
Spices and Seasonings
Spices like black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and red pepper flakes are frequently used to add layers of flavor to Smithfield ham glaze. Things like mustard powder, onion and garlic powder can also be used to provide subtle savory notes.
Glazing Process
The glaze is liberally applied to Smithfield hams multiple times over the weeks-long curing process. Here is a look at how glazing transforms a fresh ham into a glossy Smithfield ham:
- The raw cured ham is lightly coated in glaze and massaged by hand to evenly distribute.
- The ham is hung in a humidity-controlled environment for 1-2 days allowing the glaze to penetrate the meat.
- After the glaze sets, another layer is applied and again allowed to penetrate for 1-2 days.
- The process is repeated every few days for up to 8 weeks until the ham develops a sticky, honey-colored crust.
The repeated glazing and drying cycles allow the glaze to deeply permeate the meat. This gives each slice of Smithfield ham a distinctive sweet and salty flavor.
Glaze Variations
While traditional Smithfield ham glaze contains brown sugar, honey, molasses and spices, some producers put their own spin on the classic recipe. Here are a few variations found among artisan Smithfield ham makers:
Fruit Juices
Fruit juices like apple, cherry, pineapple and orange are sometimes added to the glaze. They impart subtle fruity undertones and increase glossiness.
Bourbon
A splash of bourbon adds oaky, vanilla notes while complementing the existing molasses flavors.
Coca-Cola
The caramel coloring and sugary sweetness of Coke makes an unexpected but delicious addition to glazes.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup can replace some or all of the brown sugar and honey in a glaze. This gives a unique maple flavor.
Jams & Preserves
Mixing in fruit preserves like fig, apricot and peach adds chunks of fruit and extra sweetness.
Crushed Peppers
Dehydrated peppers lend mild heat and fruitiness when blended into the glaze.
Glaze Ingredients by Brand
While the standard glaze ingredients are fairly consistent across brands, the exact proportion and types used vary between manufacturers. Here is an overview of the primary glaze ingredients for some of the top Smithfield ham companies:
| Brand | Main Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Edwards | Brown sugar, molasses, honey, salt, spices |
| Burger | Brown sugar, molasses, honey, pepper |
| Vintage Oak | Brown sugar, honey, molasses, bourbon, spices |
| Smithfield | Brown sugar, honey, molasses, salt |
| Gwaltney | Brown sugar, honey, molasses, ginger, cloves |
As you can see, while brown sugar, honey and molasses make up the base of most glazes, small tweaks to the spice additions create unique flavors.
Glaze Nutrition Facts
Since the glaze permeates the ham during curing, it adds flavor but also increases the overall calorie, sugar, carbohydrate and sodium levels. Here is the nutrition information for a typical 2 tablespoon serving of Smithfield ham glaze:
| Amount | Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Total Fat 0g | 0% |
| Sodium 115mg | 5% |
| Total Carb. 54g | 20% |
| Sugars 51g | N/A |
*Based on a 2000 calorie diet
As you can see, the glaze is high in natural sugars from the honey, molasses and brown sugar. It also provides a moderate amount of sodium. The glaze contains no fat or protein.
Making Your Own Smithfield Ham Glaze
Want to try making your own Smithfield-style ham glaze at home? Here is an easy recipe to try:
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1⁄2 cup honey
- 1⁄4 cup molasses
- 1 tbsp fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1⁄2 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely before using.
- Liberally apply to cured ham in multiple coats over several weeks for best results.
You can also play around with adding bourbon, fruit juices, crushed peppers or other creative ingredients to make your own signature glaze.
Conclusion
With its irresistible balance of sweet, salty, spicy and savory flavors, it’s no wonder Smithfield ham glaze is integral to the character of this Southern delicacy. While traditional glaze contains just a few simple components, artisan ham makers create unique variations that put their personal spin on this classic curing recipe. The next time you sink your teeth into a glistening slice of Smithfield ham, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the sweet, sticky glaze that makes it so mouthwateringly delicious.