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.
Shank Ham vs Butt Ham: Which Cut Reigns Supreme?
Ham is a cherished centerpiece for many holiday meals and celebrations. But when it comes to choosing between shank ham and butt ham, the debate continues to divide ham lovers. Both cuts have their dedicated fans and detractors. So which one truly reigns supreme? Let’s closely examine the pros and cons of shank ham vs butt ham.
Shank Ham Overview
Shank ham comes from the lower portion of a pig’s hind leg It contains the femur bone only, making it easier to carve. Shank ham tends to be more budget-friendly and boasts that classic ham shape. However, it can also be fattier with a higher chance of drying out during cooking But the meat towards the shank end does pack more pronounced ham flavor.
Butt Ham Overview
Butt ham is cut from the upper part of the hind leg near the hip/pelvic area. It contains the femur bone and part of the pelvic bone. This can make butt ham more difficult to carve around the bones. However butt ham is usually more tender and naturally flavorful. The meat tends to be leaner with less fat which some view as a healthier choice.
Major Differences
Some key differences between shank and butt ham:
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Bone structure – Shank only has femur bone while butt has femur and pelvic bones
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Fat content – Shank is fattier while butt is leaner
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Price – Shank hams are typically more budget-friendly
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Flavor – Butt ham offers richer natural flavor
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Carving – Shank is easier to slice due to single bone
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Cooking time – Shank requires longer oven time
Flavor and Texture Comparison
The flavor and texture profile does vary between these two ham cuts:
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Shank ham has deep, pronounced ham flavor but can be drier if overcooked.
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Butt ham is prized for its tenderness and delicate ham essence.
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Shank ham pairs well with robust flavors like cloves, mustard and pineapple.
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Butt ham complements sweeter glazes and fruit flavors.
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Shank requires slow roasting to achieve ideal tenderness.
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Butt ham has naturally tender meat requiring less cook time.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
While both cuts offer protein, there are some nutritional differences:
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Shank ham has higher fat and calorie content due to extra muscle.
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Butt ham is leaner and lower in saturated fat.
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Both are high in sodium and should be enjoyed in moderation.
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Butt ham may be preferable for those monitoring fat and calories.
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Shank ham satisfies cravings for rich, hearty ham flavor.
Cooking and Serving Suggestions
To optimize flavor and texture, consider these prep tips:
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Allow ham to reach room temp before cooking for even heating.
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Cook shank ham slowly at lower oven temps for best results.
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Reduce cook time slightly for fattier butt ham pieces.
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Glaze hams during last 30 minutes only to avoid burning.
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Let ham rest before slicing to evenly redistribute juices.
The Bottom Line
So when choosing between shank ham and butt ham, personal preferences rule. Shank’s classic shape, easier carving, bold flavor and budget price appeal to many. For those seeking tender, delicate meat with less fat, butt ham hits the spot. Either can star on a stunning holiday table or sandwich. Try both cuts and decide which one you’d crown the king of ham.
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 kind of ham is best for Easter dinner?
Which ham is best for you?
What’s the best ham for sandwiches?
Is shank Ham better than butt ham?
Butt ham, meanwhile, is made from the top portion of the leg. Because the meat is leaner, it often yields more servings. The shank is a good choice for a holiday table because the meat carves up so nicely. It also has a more attractive appearance overall. If you don’t mind the extra fat, shank ham wins out over butt ham in terms of presentation.
Is a boneless ham better than a shank?
Whole shank halves cost 20-30% less than the butt. Butt ham comes from a prime cut of meat, so it commands a higher price. Bone-in butt halves can cost 40% more than the shank. However, when comparing boneless ham steaks or roasts, the price difference is negligible. And you get more usable meat from the butt due to less bone.
What is a ham shank?
The shank portion of ham is the lower part of the pigs leg. Many people prefer the butt because it is fattier and juicier. Therefore, it has a richer flavor! It has an oval shape and funnels off towards the end, making it a bit bigger than the upper portion. The shank is a popular cut to cure for ham. What Is Butt Ham?
What is the difference between a shank Ham and a baked ham?
Both cuts have their own unique characteristics that make them appealing to different people. Shank ham is the lower half of the leg and is often associated with baked ham. It contains the femur bone only, making it easier to carve. Shank ham is also more budget-friendly, but the meat tends to dry out more during cooking.