It’s possible that you’ve ever wondered, “What in the world is that?” when you saw turkey ham sitting in the deli section of your local supermarket. After all, it seems about as logical as something labeled “chicken beef” or “salmon pork,” and legally, ham must be made with pig thigh meat. But rest assured, turkey ham is made from turkey. Theres no pork in it.
This kind of confusion is comparable to that surrounding almond milk and other non-dairy milk substitutes. A 1976 New York Times article claimed that turkey ham led to legal issues with pork producers that were comparable to those non-dairy milks are currently having with dairy companies. Clearly, turkey ham was able to maintain its reputation, or else we wouldn’t recognize it as such today. However, because of those legal issues, turkey ham products must now specifically state what “cured turkey thigh meat” is in order to be clearly identified.
What is turkey ham?
Turkey ham, a processed meat, is a ready-to-eat product made primarily from cooked or cured turkey meat, water, and other ingredients like binders. It’s formed into the shape of a ham and often sold pre-sliced.
What is it not?
Contrary to its name, turkey ham does not contain any pork products. It’s a distinct product made solely from turkey meat.
How is it made?
Turkey ham is typically produced from cured turkey thigh meat and other turkey parts. The meat is processed, often with added water and binders, and formed into the desired shape. It may be flavored to resemble the taste of ham.
History of turkey ham:
Jennie-O introduced turkey ham to the US market in 1975. It quickly became a popular alternative to traditional ham, offering a lower-fat and lower-sodium option.
Labeling and controversy:
In the early 1980s the American Meat Institute attempted to ban the use of the term “turkey ham” for products containing no pork arguing it was misleading. However, the term remains in use, with “cured turkey thigh meat” often appearing on labels for clarification.
Nutritional information:
Turkey ham is a good source of protein, with a 2-ounce serving typically containing 7-10 grams. It also provides some potassium and iron. However, it’s important to note that turkey ham is high in sodium, with a serving containing 300-500 milligrams.
Health considerations:
Turkey ham is a processed meat, and excessive consumption of processed meats has been linked to health risks. It’s best to consume turkey ham in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Where to buy turkey ham:
Turkey ham is widely available in grocery stores, often under various brand names like Jennie-O, Butterball, and Oscar Mayer. You can also find it at butcher shops and online retailers.
How to use turkey ham:
Turkey ham is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in various ways. It’s commonly used in sandwiches, salads, and omelets. It can also be substituted for traditional ham in many recipes.
Turkey ham vs. traditional ham:
Turkey ham and traditional ham have similar textures and can be used interchangeably in many recipes. However, turkey ham is lower in fat and sodium than traditional ham.
Turkey ham is a popular processed meat that offers a lower-fat and lower-sodium alternative to traditional ham. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in various ways. However, it’s important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
What is turkey ham?
Turkey ham was invented by the national brand of turkey products Jennie-O in 1975 in collaboration with the influential agricultural scientist Robert C. Baker (whom the New York Times dubbed “chicken Edison” in 1984). Its a cured and sometimes smoked meat made from the upper leg of turkeys — aka turkey thighs. Youll find it sold either as deli slices or as a whole piece of meat, similar to how traditional ham is sold. Turkey ham is a processed food, fully cooked and ready to be eaten right out of the package.
Turkey ham is promoted as a low-fat substitute for ordinary ham, emphasizing the distinction between white and red meat. However, turkey ham isn’t classified as red meat even though it sometimes has a darker tint than other white meat products. Any meat derived from mammals is considered red meat, whereas poultry is considered white meat. Turkey products, no matter what color they are after processing, will always be white meat because turkeys are poultry, not mammals.
How is turkey ham made?
Turkey ham is prepared similarly to regular ham because its purpose is to mimic the flavor and texture of regular ham. Although there are numerous ways to prepare ham, the general process for creating boneless ham involves either curing, smoking, or both.
For turkey ham, the turkey thigh meat is first deboned. After that, the meat is injected with a solution of salt, sugar, potassium lactate, sodium phosphate, sodium nitrite, sodium erythorbate, sodium diacetate, and water to cure it. Food preservation techniques such as curing meat date back to 3,000 B.C. C. There are two types of curing meat: wet curing is similar to dry curing but uses water to create a brine instead of rubbing salt and spices on the meat’s exterior. Turkey ham uses a wet method, as does traditional ham. After the turkey is immersed in the brine and allowed to rest for a few hours, the cure is finished by cooking the meat.
Turkey ham – A delicious pork ham alternative
What is a turkey ham?
A turkey ham is a type of meat that is made from the thigh meat of a turkey. It is similar to regular ham in terms of taste and texture, but it is leaner and typically has less fat and sodium compared to traditional ham. It is a popular alternative for those who prefer a healthier option or do not consume pork.
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 turkey ham a white meat?
Red meat is defined as any meat coming from mammals, while white meat includes poultry. Since turkey is poultry and not a mammal, turkey products will always be white meat regardless of what color they are after they’ve been processed. How is turkey ham made?
What is turkey ham used for?
Here are some of the common uses for turkey ham: As a sandwich filler – Turkey ham works well in sandwiches, rolls, wraps, subs, and paninis and can be served cold or toasted. In a pasta dish – Carbonara is usually made with bacon, but turkey ham can be cut up and used to replace this if preferred.