Thanksgiving enthusiasts have long debated between turkey and ham, and as fall approaches, the argument is primed to resurface. We say it’s time to break with tradition, even though turkey has long been a Thanksgiving mainstay. Here are some reasons why you should choose ham this Thanksgiving instead of turkey.
While turkey reigns supreme as the centerpiece of many Thanksgiving tables, ham presents itself as a delicious and compelling alternative. This article explores the pros and cons of both, helping you decide which reigns supreme in your own Thanksgiving feast.
Why Choose Ham?
- Easier to Cook: Unlike turkey, which can be a culinary challenge to cook evenly and keep moist, ham is much more forgiving. Simply pop it in the oven and slice it up when done.
- Juicier: Cured ham is brined, ensuring juiciness, while fresh ham boasts fat marbling that keeps it tender and moist when cooked low and slow.
- Variety: From cured and smoked hams to fresh and dry-cured country hams, there’s a ham for every taste.
- Customization: Ham’s flavor profile is incredibly versatile, ranging from brown sugar glazed to mustard-rubbed, offering endless possibilities for side dishes.
Why Choose Turkey?
- Tradition: The image of a golden-brown roasted turkey is synonymous with Thanksgiving. Guests might be surprised or even disappointed to find ham instead.
- Healthier: Turkey is lower in fat and higher in nutrients like phosphorus, selenium, and vitamins B3 and B6.
- Versatile Flavor: Turkey’s mild flavor pairs well with classic Thanksgiving sides and allows the gravy’s deliciousness to shine.
- Something for Everyone: Turkey offers a variety of cuts for different preferences, from lean breast to juicy dark meat to crispy skin.
Famous Hams and Turkeys
- Logan Farms’ Hickory-Smoked Turkey: This classic Thanksgiving staple boasts juicy meat and a delicious smoky flavor.
- Mother’s Restaurant’s “World’s Best” Baked Ham: This glazed ham is a crowd-pleaser with its sweet and savory flavors.
- Pecan Lodge Whole Spiral Sliced Ham: This Texas-style ham is smoked over pecan wood for a unique and flavorful experience.
- Charm City Kosher’s Turkey: This kosher turkey is perfect for those observing dietary restrictions.
- The Cajun Turkey Company’s Spicy Fried Turkey: This Cajun-style turkey adds a kick of heat to your Thanksgiving table.
Ultimately, the choice between ham and turkey comes down to personal preference, tradition, and dietary needs. Both offer delicious and satisfying options for your Thanksgiving feast.
Bonus: A Few Fun Facts
- According to the National Turkey Federation, about 46 million turkeys are eaten every Thanksgiving in the US.
- Melissa Cookston, the pitmaster behind Melissa Cookston’s Memphis BBQ’s Double-Smoked Spiral Cut Ham, is the first woman to be inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame.
- Uncle Ray’s in Dallas has been perfecting their Cajun-style fried turkeys for over 30 years, bringing a touch of Southern soul to Thanksgiving tables.
Remember. no matter which you choose. Goldbelly can deliver the perfect ham or turkey straight to your door for a stress-free Thanksgiving feast!
Ham Is More Versatile
With ham, you don’t have to stick to the typical aromatics you’d see in a roast turkey. Your ham can be smoked, crusted with cracked pepper, or glazed with brown sugar, pineapple barbecue sauce, or cherries. Additionally, ham pairs well with almost anything, so you can enjoy an overall better main course along with all the trimmings of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
Ham Is Juicier Than Turkey
More people have become aware in recent years of how challenging it can be to cook turkey and how ineffective the usual basting method is most of the time. Turkey is extremely lean, meaning it has little fat, and due to its size, the collagen in its bones and the fat in its skin are insufficient to make up for this. Thus, unless you stuff your turkey with a ton of bacon, which kind of negates the whole point of selecting lean meat, your turkey might dry out in the oven. But because ham naturally contains more fat, you can cook it slowly and low to achieve tender, juicy meat.
Deep Fried Ham better than a Turkey?
FAQ
What is healthier turkey or ham?
Why does ham taste better than turkey?
Why do people prefer ham over turkey?
Is ham good for you to eat?
Is Turkey better than Ham?
Overall, turkey is recommended over ham for nutrition. However, this is based on sodium content. Ham is very high in sodium, but it is rich in zinc, potassium, and iron. Ham has been used for generations to add salt and flavor to other dishes. That being the case, be very careful adding additional salt to ham and to dishes that you’ve added ham to.
Is honey baked ham as good as regular ham?
The addition of honey will affect the calorie content of the food. One tablespoon of honey contributes to approximately 64 calories. In addition, the use of heat when making baked ham will reduce the quality of the honey.
Is Ham a good alternative to Turkey?
Here are a few reasons why ham might be the perfect option: 1.Ham is a delicious alternative to turkey. If you’re looking for a change of pace, ham is a great option. It’s a delicious, savory alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving turkey. Many people enjoy the salty, smoky flavor of ham, and it pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
What is the difference between Ham and turkey meat?
Turkey meat, compared to ham, is richer in phosphorus, copper, calcium, selenium, and magnesium. On the other hand, ham is richer in zinc, potassium, manganese, and iron. It is important to take into consideration the high amounts of sodium in ham. Ham contains 1200mg of sodium which is more than 50% of the daily recommended value.