What is Fareway’s Famous Ham Loaf Made Of? A Look at This Tasty Deli Favorite

Fareway’s delicious ham loaf is a staple deli item found at their grocery store meat counters. With its savory flavor and versatility, it’s no wonder this tasty ham creation is so popular. But have you ever wondered exactly what goes into making Fareway’s famous ham loaf?

In this article we’ll take an in-depth look at what ingredients are used to make this beloved deli meat. Whether you enjoy slicing it for sandwiches or shaping it into ham balls read on to learn about what gives Fareway ham loaf its signature taste and texture.

An Overview of Ham Loaf

Ham loaf is a type of luncheon meat made from ground or chopped ham combined with other ingredients like spices, binders, and fillers It is then formed into a log shape, cooked, sliced and served cold like bologna or ham

Other common names for this deli meat include ham roll olive loaf, boneless ham and ham bologna. It makes a quick protein to use for sandwiches wraps, snacks and more.

While ham loaf recipes can vary, Fareway’s version stands out thanks to quality ingredients and skilled meat purveyors who have perfected the preparation process.

The Main Ingredient – Ham

Of course, the star ingredient in Fareway’s ham loaf is real ham. But not just any ham will do.

Fareway only uses top-quality boneless smoked ham to make their famous ham loaf logs. The ham is carefully trimmed to remove excess fat, then ground or finely chopped into small pieces.

Using true ham gives the loaf authentic ham flavor. Subbing in lesser quality ham or ham scraps would compromise the taste. Fareway maintains high standards to ensure each batch of deli ham loaf has premium ham taste and quality.

Supporting Ingredients for Flavor and Texture

In addition to the smoked ham, Fareway’s ham loaf contains a few other supporting ingredients to boost flavor, moisture and texture:

Water and Ice – Added water and ice keep the loaf moist and flexible when slicing. The water binds the mixture and replaces moisture lost during cooking.

Salt – For seasoning and preserving. Table salt is typically used.

Sugar – A small amount of sugar balances flavor and counteracts the saltiness. Granulated white sugar is most common.

Nitrites – Curing salt adds characteristic pink color and unique cured flavor. It also prevents bacterial growth.

Phosphates – Help retain moisture and allows for easy slicing without crumbling. Common types are sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium hexametaphosphate.

Corn Syrup – Contributes sweetness and aids moisture retention like the sugar. Corn syrup is often used instead of sugar.

Spices and Flavorings – Spices like garlic and black pepper add subtle flavor. Natural smoke flavors may be included to complement the natural smoky ham.

Binders and Extenders – Binders are added to glue the mixture together, improve adhesion and create a sliceable texture. Typical binders are powdered milk, soy protein, wheat protein and egg whites. Oatmeal or breadcrumbs may be used as filler.

The Step-by-Step Process for Making Ham Loaf

While the exact process can vary slightly based on equipment, Fareway’s deli experts follow these basic steps:

1. Ham is trimmed, ground and mixed with water and curing salts.

2. Ingredients like corn syrup, salt, sugar, phosphates, flavorings and binders are added to create the complete mixture.

3. The thick paste is stuffed into casings, logs or molds.

4. Ham logs are cooked at controlled temperatures to set the binders and reach food safety standards.

5. After slow cooking, the logs are showered with cool water to reduce temperature.

6. Casings are removed and logs are pressed into shape.

7. Logs are sliced and packaged for use by delis or consumers.

8. The sliced ham loaf is labeled with ingredient information, safely packaged and refrigerated.

Thanks to this meticulous process, Fareway provides high-quality ham loaf with authentic texture and homemade flavor.

Why Fareway’s Ham Loaf Stands Out

There are a few key reasons Fareway’s ham loaf is a step above other brands you may find at the grocery store:

• Real Smoked Ham – Made with natural, smoked boneless ham rather than cheaper substitutes.

• Quality Control – Each batch abides by strict standards overseen by experienced meat experts.

• Balanced Flavor – Complementary ingredients enhance flavor without overpowering the ham.

• Moist Texture – Careful moisture control results in tender, easy-to-slice loaf.

• No Artificial Ingredients – Only includes real, natural ingredients like spices for homemade taste.

• Freshly Sliced In-Store – Sliced daily at each location for freshest flavor and quality.

So when you grab a package of Fareway deli ham loaf, you can feel confident it was made with care using high standards.

Serving Up Fareway’s Ham Loaf

Fareway’s ham loaf is sold pre-sliced at the deli counter or refrigerated meat case at their grocery stores. It’s also available for order online through their meat market for quick shipping directly to your door.

Once you have this tasty ham loaf on hand, here are some easy ways to serve it:

• Pile high on sandwiches and melts. It’s great with cheese, pickles and mustard.

• Roll up in tortillas or flatbread with veggies for quick ham wraps.

• Chop and add to scrambled eggs, hash, or potatoes for hammy breakfasts.

• Shape into balls, skewer and bake for party-friendly ham loaf bites.

• Fry slices for a crispy, salty ham chip snack.

• Dice and use in ham salad or pasta salads.

• Layer on pizza, flatbreads or nachos in place of plain ham.

As you can see, Fareway’s ham loaf is extremely versatile. With its authentic smoked ham taste, it can take your meals from bland to spectacular.

Next time you shop Fareway, be sure to grab a package of their famous ham loaf. It stacks up above the competition thanks to carefully sourced ingredients and time-tested preparation methods. With so many quick and tasty ways to enjoy it, Fareway’s ham loaf is a smart addition to your fridge or freezer.