Unraveling the Mystery Behind the Picnic Ham: Where the Name Came From and Why It Sticks

If you’ve browsed the meat counter lately you may have come across an odd cut labeled “picnic ham.” This distinct cut comes from the front leg of the pig. But how exactly did this shoulder meat get saddled with the unique name “picnic ham”?

As it turns out the history and reasoning behind this peculiar designation has long puzzled pork aficionados. In this article we’ll get to the bottom of the picnic ham and explore how it got its name. Read on to learn about its origins, why the shoulder is sometimes called picnic ham, and how it differs from traditional ham.

What Part of the Pig Does Picnic Ham Come From?

Let’s start by looking at exactly where on the pig this cut of meat is located. Picnic ham comes from the front leg of the hog specifically the upper part of the shoulder. It contains parts of the shoulder blade and foreleg bone.

Other common names for this cut include pork shoulder, pork butt, Boston butt, and picnic shoulder. The many names speak to the confusion surrounding this area of the pig. But they all refer to meat from the same spot – the top portion of the front leg.

How Did “Picnic Ham” Originate?

References to picnic ham date back to the 1800s. But the reasoning behind the name remains uncertain. Here are the main theories about the origins of this term:

• The cut was once packed into containers called “hogsheads” for storage. “Picnic” may have derived from “pickling” these pork shoulders in brine.

• Because it’s a cheaper cut, picnic shoulder was considered ideal for casual outdoor eating like picnics.

• The name referred to picnicking at county fairs where the pork shoulder was roasted and served.

• Picnic ham was a lower priced substitute people could afford for their family picnics.

Whatever the exact origin, the picnic designation came from the cut’s association with casual, portable meals.

Why Is It Called Picnic “Ham” If It’s From the Shoulder?

This is another source of confusion surrounding picnic ham. Real ham comes from the back leg of a pig – not the front shoulder. So why is this shoulder cut called ham?

There are a few explanations:

• Pork shoulders are often cured and smoked like ham, giving them a similar flavor.

• Pork shoulder was nicknamed “picnic ham” as an inexpensive alternative to real ham for picnics.

• Unscrupulous suppliers may have deceivingly marketed cured pork shoulders as “ham” to make it sound fancier.

While picnic ham mimics some qualities of true ham, it does not come from the same part of the animal. The “ham” name seems to have been more of a marketing ploy.

How True Ham Differs from Picnic Ham

To better understand picnic ham, it helps to distinguish it from real ham:

• True ham comes from the back legs only. Picnic ham is from the front shoulders.

• Ham is cured and often smoked. Picnic ham may be uncured or cured like ham.

• Ham has a dense, rich texture. Picnic ham tends to be fattier with a looser texture.

• Ham has more lean, dark meat. Picnic ham is lighter in color with more marbling.

• Ham is more expensive given its leanness. Picnic ham offers a cheaper alternative.

• Ham has a pronounced smoked, salty flavor. Picnic ham is milder in flavor.

While their names may be confusingly similar, ham and picnic ham actually come from different parts of the pig and have distinct textures and tastes.

Why Do Stores Still Call It Picnic Ham Today?

The questionable moniker of “picnic ham” originated over a century ago. But why has this confusing name stuck around?

A few reasons explain its persistence:

• Tradition – it’s been called this for so long, it’s the accepted name.

• Distinction – it differentiates the shoulder from other cuts like pork butt.

• Familiarity – consumers recognize the term picnic ham.

• Differentiation – the name indicates it’s been cured/smoked like ham.

While not completely logical, the established name picnic ham lets buyers know exactly which cut of pork they’re getting. Dropping the odd title now would potentially create more confusion.

Is Picnic Ham Good for Picnics Today?

Since we now know picnic ham got its name from being a portable, picnic-friendly cut, does it still live up to that reputation?

Picnic ham does have some advantages for modern-day picnics:

• It’s usually pre-cooked so no prep or cooking is needed.

• The boneless meat is easier to slice and serve than bone-in ham.

• It doesn’t need refrigeration as long as kept cool.

• The cheaper price makes it ideal for large outdoor crowds.

• Kids tend to love the milder, sweeter taste compared to ham.

Thanks to these conveniences, picnic ham remains a wise choice to pack along for picnics and cookouts today.

How to Choose, Cook, and Serve Picnic Ham

Now that you know what picnic ham really is, here are some tips for selecting and serving it:

• Look for a cut with deep pink meat streaked with white fat. Avoid any brown spots.

• Opt for shank-end picnic ham with more lean, dark meat. Or choose cushion-end for more fat and flavor.

• Check the label to see if it’s been cured, smoked, or cooked. This affects taste and preparation.

• For flavor, you can bake, grill, or smoke picnic ham before serving. Or it can be eaten cold.

• Slice picnic ham thin and pile it high on sandwiches. Or dice it up to add to salads, omelets, or pasta dishes.

Don’t be afraid to bring home a package of picnic ham and appreciate it for its convenience, affordability, kid-friendliness and picnic-perfect qualities.

The Quirky History of Picnic Ham Lives On

While its name may seem odd and misleading, the Picnic Ham has a long history as a picnic staple due to its tasty flavor, lower price, and portability. This unique cut may mystify some shoppers with its reference to “ham.” But now you’re in on the history behind this pork shoulder oddity.

Next time you see picnic ham at the store, you can smile knowing why it got this funny name. Then confidently grab some for your next outdoor gathering or simple family meal.