What’s so great about ham? – Eat, Drink, and Be Snarky

Ham is a popular dish, especially around the holidays, but I just can't understand it.

There’s no doubt that ham is a popular holiday dish. I have a little a secret to divulge to you, though: the Degon clan has never, ever served a ham on any occasion, let alone a special one. We are all total foodies and gourmands, but I have to tell you, none of us like ham. I never grew up associating ham with the holidays and therefore have no nostalgic attachment to the food. I don’t know, I guess you can call me crazy, but I just don’t get ham.

My sister, in particular, is a great hater of ham. I think for her it’s a texture thing, and I can totally understand that. There is something unnatural and a little creepy about the pop-in-your mouth texture. It is distinctly and uniquely ham-like, and most certainly not meat-like. It does creep me out. Even when I get ham from the deli (as I must admit I do enjoy a nice ham sandwich from time to time) I get it sliced as thin as possible, to mitigate any textural issues.

Even the taste of ham isn’t that compelling. If you want some smokey pig product, why not go for bacon? I mean is anyone really going to argue that Canadian bacon (which is really just ham, right?) is superior to good old, fat-filled American bacon? I can’t imagine. I would have to think that even if you’re a fan of ham, you would admit that bacon is better. I mean, it’s bacon for crying out loud! It’s just about the best food on the planet.

Maybe some of that ham-hate it is just perception. I mean, you can get ham in a can. That can’t be good, right? I mean, have you ever seen those canned hams? I’m only 75% sure they are actually food. Filet mignon does not come in a can. A nice roast turkey does not come in a can. Meat, aside from tuna fish, really shouldn’t come in a can.

Then, there is the age old problem that I am convinced is my father’s biggest problem with ham: what kind of wine do you serve with it? It’s too light for red wine, too heavy for white.

Alright ham-lovers, let me hear it. Why should I give ham another chance? What is it about the pink cured pork that drives you wild? Convince me I’m wrong!