To Cure Hams

Prep: 480 min Cook: 1440 min Cuisine: American

This traditional ham curing method results in a richly flavored, smoky ham with a savory and slightly sweet profile. Ideal for those who appreciate classic cured meats, it involves a thorough salting, resting, and smoking process that enhances the meat's depth and tenderness, perfect for special occasions or hearty meals.

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Ingredients

  • 100 lb. ham
  • 3 oz. saltpeter
  • 1 pt. fine salt
  • 1/2 lb. brown sugar
  • 2 pt. fine salt
  • 1/8 lb. black pepper

Instructions

  1. Mix thoroughly the saltpeter, one pint of fine salt, and brown sugar, then rub over the hams and let stand for 24 hours.
  2. Rub the meat with two pints of fine salt and black pepper.
  3. Let stand for 5 days, then rub the meat again with fine salt.
  4. Set aside for 30 days, then hang and wash off the salt.
  5. Have the ham smoked at a good smokehouse for 10 days.
  6. Rub the ham with red pepper when finished, then wrap in brown paper.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

225 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.3g 13% DV
Total Fat 5.6g 7% DV
Carbs 43g 16% DV
Fiber 6.9g 24% DV
Sugar 25.5g 51% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 9952.5mg 100% DV
Potassium 493.8mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 14.5mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 46mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 31.9mg 35% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 153.8mg 12% DV
Iron 3mg 17% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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