How To Buy Ham

Figuring out how to buy ham is easy once you understand how much ham you will need, and the flavor your wanting for your tastebuds. Hams come with either bone in, bone out, or partial bone in. Understanding each has their pro's and con's can help you decide which is the right choice for your needs.

1. How Much Ham. Depending on the ham, you can figure out how big of a ham to purchase for the amount of people you are feeding. For bone in, you can expect between 1/2 lb to 3/4 lb per person for serving. For partially boned ham, you can expect 1/3 lb to 1/2 lb per person for serving. If you picked up a boneless ham, figure in 1/4 lb to 1/3 lb per person. If you are wanting left over, figure that into the size you pick up.
2. Bone In Ham. If you purchase a bone in ham, be prepared to carve it, or have someone near that knows how to carve. It can be frustrating the first time carving, but it all taste the same coming off the bone, so don't stress if it does not look professional the first time. People enjoy bone in ham's for large parties, because they are heavy, and usually a lot of lb's. Other reasons people pick a bone in is because of the flavor and moisture. You can purchase smoked, spiral pre cut or whole.
3. Bone Out. Boneless hams have the bones removed and the meat reshaped to form one solid cut of meat. These are easy to cut, and great to cook for small parties. You can purchase these in the market in a variety of sizes, and almost all boneless hams are pre cook that only require reheating. For a quick, easy ham dinner, these are the choice. You can pick a variety of glazes to pour over while reheating to give any flavor your wanting, from sweet to spicy.
4. Partial Bone In. Partial bone in hams are a great choice if you want the moisture, and flavor a bone can add to the meat, with out the size a large bone in ham produces. Because of it being only a partial bone in, they are also a lot easier to slice, or de-bone before slicing. Like all other hams, you can glaze it with any flavor your wanting to add and have it to the table in no time for an impressive presentation.

No mater what size party, or flavor your wanting from your ham, you can purchase one to accommodate them all. Take the time to make sure you have bought a ham big enough to feed anyone, then experiment with the flavors a glaze, or even injectable liquid spice when cooking.