Easter is prime time for ham and every year questions crop up about it. What’s the difference between the butt and shank parts? How much should I buy? Does the ham get glazed?
There’s no doubt that the price is right if you want to have ham for Easter.
Consumers are being hit hard by rising food prices, but there are lots of deals on hams at area grocery stores. And there appears to be plenty of them. And that makes buying a ham a good value.
From what I can tell from store websites and sales flyers, hams are on sale for as little as 79 cents a pound, but it depends on what kind of cut you buy and whether it’s spiral-sliced. There are, of course, limits on how many you can buy. Buy two if you can because leftover ham has many uses: quiche, salads, sandwiches and soups. A ham for 79 cents a pound is a great deal, even if you just scoop one.
If you have a question about ham, here are some answers, along with one of our favorite recipes from the Free Press recipe archives.
For many families, a beautiful glazed holiday ham is a beloved tradition. When you are shopping for your next celebratory ham, you’ll notice that most whole hams are divided into two main cuts – the shank end and the butt end But what is the difference between these two cuts of ham and which one should you choose for your holiday table? In this guide, we’ll compare shank ham vs butt ham to help you decide which is the better option for your meal
An Overview of Ham Cuts
First, let’s start with a quick refresher on where ham comes from. Ham is pork that is cured and smoked from the back legs of a pig. When you buy a whole, bone-in ham, it will either be cut into the shank end or the butt end.
The shank end comes from the bottom portion of the leg, nearest to the hock. This cut contains the femur bone The butt end comes from the top of the leg near the pig’s rump and contains the femur bone and pelvic bone Many butchers and recipes will also refer to this as the sirloin end.
Now that you understand the difference in where these two cuts come from on the pig, let’s compare their qualities to determine the advantages of each type of ham.
Comparing the Characteristics of Shank Ham and Butt Ham
There are a few key differences between shank ham and butt ham that can help guide your choice between these two common options.
Appearance
One of the first things you’ll notice is that the shank ham has the classic tapered ham shape, making it ideal for a picturesque holiday table. The butt end is more rounded. So if you want that perfect glazed ham presentation, the shank may be your best bet.
Bone Structure
The bone structure also differs between these cuts. The shank ham contains one straight femur bone which makes carving simple. You just have to slice around it.
The butt ham contains that femur bone plus the pelvic bone, which is round and bulky. This can make carving trickier for holiday hosts.
Meat Characteristics
When it comes to the flavor and texture of the meat, there are some noticable differences between shank ham and butt ham.
The shank ham tends to be leaner and drier. The meat near the hock receives more exercise, so it has less fat marbling through it. This can result in slightly drier meat.
The butt ham is more tender and fatty. The top of the leg contains more marbled fat, which keeps the meat moister and richer in flavor. The extra fat content gives it a mouthwatering texture and taste.
Pricing
Due to its favorable fat content and texture, the butt ham is considered the premium cut and is typically more expensive per pound than the shank ham. For shoppers on a budget, the shank may be a more wallet-friendly option.
Choosing Between Shank and Butt Ham for Your Holiday Meal
Now that you understand the main differences between the shank end and butt end of a ham, let’s discuss how to choose between them for your perfect holiday meal.
Here are some factors to keep in mind when deciding between these two common ham cuts:
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Consider your budget. If pricing is a concern, lean shank ham is often more affordable. Splurge on the butt ham if you want premium flavor.
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Think about presentation. Shank ham has that archetypal ham shape if you want a gorgeous holiday centerpiece.
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Factor in carving ease. Shank ham’s single femur bone makes slicing simpler for the holiday host.
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Choose based on flavor. For richer, fattier meat, opt for the butt ham. Go for shank if you prefer leaner texture.
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Account for guests’ preferences. If you have health-conscious guests, leaner shank ham may be a better choice. Heartier eaters will savor the butt ham.
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Check bone-in vs boneless. Boneless ham, often the center cut, simplifies prepping but lacks the classic presentation.
Helpful Tips for Cooking Shank Ham and Butt Ham
Whichever cut of bone-in ham you select, keep these tips in mind for successful roasting:
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Let the ham sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
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Use a cooking rack in the roasting pan so air can circulate around the ham.
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Brush the ham with glaze periodically while baking if you want a sticky, lacquered exterior.
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Cook shank ham and butt ham to an internal temperature of 140°F. The meat near the bone may register higher.
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Allow 15 minutes of resting time before carving so juices set. The internal temperature will rise another 5-10 degrees.
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Carve across the grain in thin slices for the most tender meat.
Favorite Ham Recipes for Both Shank and Butt Ham
The good news is that you can use either shank ham or butt ham interchangeably in most recipes. Try out these tasty ways to cook up your holiday ham:
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Brown sugar or honey glazed ham – A sweet glaze is classic. Brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or pineapple juice all make mouthwatering options.
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Spiral sliced ham – Opting for a pre-sliced spiral cut ham makes serving a breeze. Heat and glaze per package instructions.
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Ham with rum raisin sauce – For a flavorful twist, bake the ham coated in a sauce of rum, raisins, brown sugar, and spices.
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Cider baked ham – Stud the ham with cloves and bake it in apple cider spiked with cinnamon sticks and maple syrup.
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Prosciutto wrapped ham – Adding a layer of savory prosciutto before roasting infuses the ham with flavor.
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Coca-cola glazed ham – The acidic cola breaks down the ham’s tissue, keeping it extra juicy. Simmer cola to reduce into a syrupy glaze.
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Pineapple and cherry ham – The sweet fruit filling counters the salty ham in this vibrant recipe.
With this guide comparing shank vs butt ham, you now have the knowledge to select the right cut of ham for your celebration. Whichever you choose, a beautifully baked ham will be the crowning jewel of your holiday feast. Have fun picking the perfect ham to feed family and friends this season!
Should I buy a whole or a half ham? How much ham will I need per person?
A whole ham typically weighs more than 10 pounds. It would be hard to move that big of a piece around in a roasting pan, which is why there are so many half hams. But if youre feeding a lot of people, you might consider it. A bone-in ham should give you about ⅓ to ½ pound of meat per person, or 2 to 3 servings per pound. If you want extra, you can always cook more. For a boneless ham, figure about ¼ pound per person, or more for leftovers.
Butt or shank portion of ham?
The answer is purely a matter of preference, though the taste and cost are factors to consider. A ham labeled “butt end” comes from the upper thigh, closer to the hip. It typically costs a bit more and is fattier and meatier. Carving can be an issue with the butt end because of its irregularly shaped aitch bone. A ham labeled “shank end” is larger so youll get more servings out of it. Its easier to carve, has less fat and costs less.
Personally, I prefer the flavor of the shank end, which isnt as fatty.
While a boneless ham costs more than a shank and butt, it leaves less waste and makes more meals. Boneless will have a binder that holds it together in one solid piece.
When it comes to taste, many cooks and meat experts agree that a ham with the bone in is better. And you can use the leftover bone to make soup.
Spiral-sliced hams are sliced in a spiral fashion around the bone, making serving easy. But you need to watch them closely because they can dry out when reheated. Allow 10 to 18 minutes per pound reheating time for a whole or half spiral-sliced ham. Ive had good luck reheating spiral sliced hams cut side down in the roasting pan.
Smoked ham! Butt or shank portion?
FAQ
What is the best cut of ham to cook?
What type of ham has the best flavor?
What’s the best ham for sandwiches?
What is the healthiest ham to buy?
What is the difference between butt ham and shank Ham?
Butt ham is gotten from the top portion, and given that it is so much leaner, most times it can serve so many people. However, shank ham is obtained from the pig’s lower legs and has a single bone running along the length of the leg. The meat is fatty and easy to carve, thanks to the position of the bone. Overall, the shanks have a nice appearance.
Is ham gluten free?
Ham naturally by itself is gluten-free. Although, many companies made their ham with gluten-containing ingredients like broth, spices, and glazes. So, you must prefer brands that indicate they are gluten-free on the packaging.
Should you eat shank ham or butt ham?
While fat and calories are important considerations when choosing between shank ham and butt ham, it’s also important to note that cured meats like ham are high in sodium. A single serving of ham can contain nearly the entire recommended daily sodium intake for adults.
Is a ham healthier than a shank?
Due to its lesser fat content when compared to the shank. The butt ham is the healthier choice. While ham contains unhealthy or saturated fat, the effect of this becomes obvious if you consume it in large quantities. Since I am watchful of my calorie intake, I only take hams occasionally, preferring the butt ham to the shank.