Ham is a staple at many holiday meals, but what about that layer of skin surrounding the juicy ham meat? The ham skin, also known as the rind or pork rind, is a polarizing topic among home cooks. Some love its unique taste and texture when crisped up, while others find it unappetizingly chewy.
So should you eat ham skin or toss it in the trash? After researching this tasty topic I can confirm that ham skin is completely edible and safe to eat when prepared properly. Read on for a complete guide to safely enjoying ham skin and making the most of this porky treat.
What is Ham Skin?
First, it helps to understand exactly what ham skin is. Ham is a cured and smoked pork product, usually from the hind leg of a pig. Pork skin surrounds the leg cut to protect the meat. This outer layer is typically quite thick and tough on a raw ham.
Grocery store hams often have an added artificial “rind” or skin wrapping them. This helps the ham retain moisture but is too thick to eat. Home cooks need to remove this fake skin and outer fat layer before cooking a store-bought ham.
What’s left is a thin, papery natural pork skin with some fat attached. When roasted, this skin can become deliciously crispy and adds great texture contrast to the tender meat. The skin also helps glazes and seasonings adhere.
- Artificial rind – thick layer around store-bought ham to remove before cooking
- Natural skin – thin, edible remaining layer of actual pork skin and fat
Is Ham Skin Safe to Eat?
The USDA confirms that ham skin is fully safe and edible to eat [1] However, proper safety precautions should be taken
- Cook thoroughly to at least 145°F internally to kill bacteria. Use a meat thermometer.
- Refrigerate promptly – store leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
- Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw ham skin.
When handled safely, ham skin poses minimal risk for most people. Those at higher risk of foodborne illness should take extra care or avoid it.
Nutrition Facts – Is Ham Skin Healthy?
While tasty, ham skin is quite high in saturated fat and sodium:
- 3 oz serving has 210 calories, 16g total fat, 540mg sodium [2].
- Majority of fat is unhealthy saturated kind, which raises LDL “bad” cholesterol [3].
- Very high in sodium due to curing process – can contribute to high blood pressure.
So while ham skin has some nutritional value from its protein, it should be eaten in moderation. Focus on leaner protein sources as the bulk of your diet.
What Does Ham Skin Taste and Feel Like?
Okay, enough nutrition stats! What does devoured pork skin actually taste and feel like?
When cooked properly, ham skin develops a fantastic crispy, crackly texture with each bite. It provides a wonderfully satisfying crunch contrasted against the tender, juicy ham meat.
Flavor-wise, ham skin tastes quite meaty and salty, with subtle smoky and savory notes. This makes sense since the skin envelopes and protects the smoked meat.
The rich taste and crispy mouthfeel make ham skin a craveable treat for pork fans. It’s like bacon’s crunchy cousin from the leg cut!
How to Cook Ham Skin for Maximum Crispness
Now let’s get into the best ways to cook ham skin for optimal texture:
- Score the skin by making shallow crosshatches with a sharp knife. This helps the fat render.
- Pat skin very dry before cooking to aid crispness.
- Coat with acidic ingredients like pineapple or lemon to break down collagen.
- Roast uncovered at 400°F to allow moisture to escape.
- Finish under the broiler 2-3 minutes to finalize crisping.
- Let sit at least 10 minutes before slicing so skin firms up.
Follow these tips and your ham skin will bake up beautifully crispy and crackly, with mouthwatering flavor.
What About Leftover Ham Skin?
Leftover ham skin tends to end up rubbery and lose its delicate crispness. Unfortunately it does not reheat well after refrigerating.
For best results, use leftover ham skin right away to make dishes like ham sandwiches or fried rice. You can also recrisp it by pan frying.
When prepared properly, crispy ham skin rarely makes it to leftover status anyway! It makes a tasty addition to so many recipes.
Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Skin
If you do have leftover ham skin, get creative with recipes like:
- Chop into crunchy casserole topping
- Render fat to use for cooking
- Mix into bean dishes and soups
- Pair with hardy greens like collards or kale
- Crumble into cornbread or biscuits
- Feed small pieces to dogs as an occasional treat
With some ingenuity, you can use every last bit of that ham skin.
Who Should Avoid Eating Ham Skin?
Certain individuals may want to avoid ham skin:
- Vegetarians/vegans – it’s an animal product. Stick to plant-based proteins.
- Those with religious dietary restrictions prohibiting pork.
- People with health conditions like gout, diabetes or hypertension.
- Pregnant women due to risk of listeria in deli meats.
While most people can safely eat some ham skin, those with specific dietary needs may want to avoid it.
Healthy Alternatives to Ham Skin
For those who love the salty, crispy flavor but want a healthier option, try:
- Turkey or chicken skin
- Bacon in moderation
- Mushrooms for a meaty texture
- Nuts and chickpeas for plant-based crunch
- Smoked paprika for flavor without the fat
- Seaweed snacks as a salty, low-cal swap
With creativity, you can capture your favorite aspects of ham skin in a healthier way!
FAQs About Eating Ham Skin
Is it safe to eat ham skin?
Yes, fully cooked ham skin is safe for most people. Take care to properly handle and cook it.
Should you eat the skin on a spiral cut ham?
No, spiral hams have an artificial rind that must be removed before eating.
Can pregnant women eat ham skin?
It’s best for pregnant women to avoid deli meats like ham skin due to listeria risks.
Is ham skin nutritious?
While ham skin has some protein, it’s very high in sodium and unhealthy fats. Enjoy occasionally.
What’s the black coating on some hams?
The black coating is harmless external mold that forms during curing. Scrape it off before eating the ham.
The Takeaway: Enjoy Ham Skin in Moderation
When prepared properly, ham skin can be an indulgent treat that adds great flavor, texture and appeal to your holiday ham. For best results, remove the inedible rind before cooking. Use acidic ingredients and high heat to crisp up the skin.
Keep in mind that ham skin is high in sodium and fat. Enjoy it in moderation along with an overall balanced diet. With the right techniques, ham skin can transform an ordinary ham into a 5-star main course! Don’t be afraid to give this porky treat a try.
