Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Everyday Life • Food & Drink

Ham

Ham is a cut of pork taken from a pig’s hind leg, usually preserved by curing with salt, and sometimes by smoking or drying.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Ham is a cut of pork from a pig's hind leg, typically preserved by curing. It is a common grocery item in Canada, used in sandwiches and holiday meals.

What it is

Ham specifically refers to pork from the hind leg of a pig that has been preserved through curing, usually with salt, and sometimes by smoking or drying. It is a processed meat available in many forms, from whole cuts to mechanically shaped products.

How it is made

Ham is produced by dry curing (rubbing with salt) or wet curing (soaking in brine). Smoking, seasoning, or air-drying may follow to develop flavour and extend shelf life. Some varieties are also cooked before sale.

Varieties and regional forms

Many regions produce distinctive ham styles, such as Italian prosciutto, Spanish jamón, and American country ham. In Canada, imported styles like prosciutto and jamón are commonly available alongside domestic cured ham.

In short

  • Ham is cured pork from the hind leg.
  • Curing can be dry, wet, or include smoking.
  • Regional varieties include prosciutto and jamón.
  • Ham is a source of protein, iron, and B vitamins.
Canadian angle

Ham is a common grocery and deli meat in Canada, used in sandwiches, breakfasts, and holiday meals. Canadian readers may also encounter imported regional styles such as prosciutto and jamón.

Quick questions

What is ham?
Ham is pork from a pig's hind leg, usually preserved by curing and sometimes by smoking or drying.
Is ham always smoked?
No. Ham may be dry-cured or wet-cured without smoking, although smoking is common in many styles.
Is ham a processed meat?
Yes. Ham is considered a processed meat because it is preserved and often seasoned or smoked.

Sources

  1. New World Encyclopedia — https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Ham
    Supports: Definition of ham as a cut of pork and its nutritional components; U.S. legal definition.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ham
    Supports: Ham as preserved pork from the leg, curing methods, processed meat status, and regional varieties.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/ham-meat
    Supports: Ham as cured pork from the thigh of a hog; curing methods; regional specialities; nutrition.
  4. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ham
    Supports: Dictionary definition of ham as a cut of meat from the thigh, especially from a hog.
  5. Institute of Culinary Education — https://www.ice.edu/blog/understanding-ham
    Supports: Explanation of curing methods, preservation process, and broad culinary definitions.