Welcome to the Ham Hotline. You’re either thinking about it or you’ve got your hands on a Hempler’s Ham…. now what? Check out some of our most frequently asked questions & answers below.
1. How do I reheat my ham? All of our premium hams are already cooked, so all you have to do is heat them up in the oven and serve.
You can find out more on our “How to Cook” page for all of our products or watch this video on how to cook your ham.
2. Should I add glaze to my ham? If you want to add a glaze to your ham, that’s a great idea! Have your favorite glaze ready and pour it on the top and sides of the ham 20 to 30 minutes before you take it out of the oven. Looking for some inspiration? Check out our Maple Glazed Ham recipe.
3. In what stores can I find your hams? Our hams can be found at Central Markets, Metropolitan Markets, Haggen, Safeway, Thriftway, and Fred Meyer Stores. Please use the product locator on our website to find a store near you.
4. Can I eat the caramel coating on the Black Forest Ham?Yes. The dark coloring outside our Black Forest Ham is an edible casing. Our hams are made in the traditional Hempler way, using our tried-and-true family recipe and traditional Black Forest seasoning. Slowly cured in their own juices and smoked over real hardwoods for a strong smell and a moist, savory taste This entire boneless ham is edible. Enjoy!.
5. Can I freeze my ham? Yes. Our recommendation is to cool the ham completely. Wrap the ham tightly in saran wrap and foil. Place in a freeze-friendly ziplock or container. Freeze ham for no longer than three months.
6. How long can you keep a ham in the fridge after it’s been opened? Our hams should be eaten within 4 to 5 days of being cut.
Spiral sliced hams often come with a clear plastic button inserted into the end of the bone This little button serves an important purpose – it holds the slices together for even cutting and prevents them from falling apart during shipping and handling
However, before you roast or glaze your holiday ham, it’s best to remove this clear button. Getting rid of it improves the appearance, taste, and safety of your ham.
Removing the button only takes a few minutes. Follow this simple, step-by-step guide to successfully get rid of the clear button on your spiral cut ham.
What is the Clear Button?
The clear button found on most spiral sliced bone-in hams is a small piece of plastic inserted into the end of the ham’s bone It keeps the slices neatly lined up and prevents them from falling apart before the ham reaches the consumer
The button is made from a food-safe, heat-resistant plastic. It’s technically edible, but not meant to be eaten.
Why Remove It?
While the clear button itself is harmless, here are some good reasons to take the extra couple minutes to remove it:
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Appearance – The plastic nub leaves an unsightly blemish on the surface of the ham. Taking it out provides a prettier, more appetizing presentation.
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Taste – The plastic can impart a subtle chemical flavor to the ham, especially if it starts to melt from the cooking heat. Removing it prevents any unwanted plastic tastes.
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Safety – When roasted or baked, the plastic button could potentially melt, fall out, or become a choking hazard. Taking it out eliminates these risks.
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Glazing – The plastic button may make it difficult to evenly coat the ham with glazes. Removing it allows seasonings and sauces to adhere evenly.
Helpful Tools
Removing the clear button is simple and requires just a few basic tools:
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Clean fingers – For many hams, you can simply use your fingers to grasp and twist out the button. Wash hands first.
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Needle-nose pliers – The narrow, pointed tip allows you to firmly grip the plastic.
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Tweezers – Great for reaching into small spaces and crevices around bones.
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Sharp paring knife – Only use the very tip to loosen stubborn buttons by sliding it underneath.
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Clean towel – Prevents slippage and helps grip slippery tools.
Avoid sharp tools that could tear the ham slices. Work slowly and gently to prevent damaging the meat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for successfully removing the clear button from your spiral sliced ham:
1. Locate the Button
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Place the ham flat side down on a clean work surface.
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Find the end of the bone where you see the clear button protruding. It’s often near the thinner “knuckle” end of the bone.
2. Clean and Dry the Area
- Use a paper towel to wipe away any juices or moisture around the button. Getting it nice and dry helps you grip it.
3. Grip the Button
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If using fingers, press down firmly on either side of the button.
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If using tools, position the tips snugly against the base of the button.
4. Slowly Pull Out the Button
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Apply slow, steady pressure to ease the button straight out of the bone.
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Gently wiggle it from side to side if needed to loosen it up.
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Switch tools or grip spots if you’re having trouble getting traction.
5. Remove Any Remaining Plastic
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Examine the hole where the button was and pick out any leftover fragments using a knife tip.
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Run your finger over the bone to feel for any bumps or rough areas.
6. Rinse the Area
- Once button is fully removed, rinse the end of the bone with cool water to wash away debris.
And that’s it! The plastic button is out and your ham is ready for roasting and glazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about removing the clear button from hams:
Do all hams have a clear button?
- Most spiral sliced, bone-in hams will have one, but not always. High-end artisan hams often don’t need them. Check your specific ham.
Can I reuse the clear button after cooking the ham?
- It’s not recommended. The high heat from cooking can deform the plastic so it won’t hold slices securely anymore. It also becomes difficult to fully sanitize after being inserted into the meat.
What if I can’t get the button out?
- First, don’t force it! Try gently loosening the edges with a knife tip. Switch tools and grip spots. If needed, have someone lend an extra set of hands. Gentle persistence is key.
Is the ham still safe to eat if button remains?
- While not ideal, the ham is still safe if the button can’t be removed. Just warn diners to avoid that area. Consider slicing around it so the piece with button doesn’t get served.
Get Perfect, Professional Results
Removing the clear button takes just a few easy steps with minimal tools. Now you can prep your spiral sliced ham like a pro! Locate the plastic nub, grip it firmly, and pull it out. Then get ready to roast, glaze, and serve the most picture-perfect ham.
