National Glazed Spiral Ham Day

National Glazed Spiral Ham Day is America’s annual celebration of this delightful product. Known for its unique flavor and enticing aroma, glazed spiral ham offers a fresh take on the classic ham. The holiday is observed on April 15.

History

Ham has been enjoyed since ancient times, with historians suggesting that the Chinese were preparing it long before our era. The benefits of salted and lightly smoked meat were clear: it had a great flavor and a significantly extended shelf life. Ham was an essential food for travelers and wanderers, ensuring they didn’t have to worry about the meat spoiling quickly.

The popularity of ham spread across Europe and, during the colonial era, to the United States, where it garnered a huge following. Traditionally, ham was sliced manually with a knife, carefully trimming around the bone. This process was made much easier in 1952 by H. D. Hoenselaar, who invented the spiral slicer. This device allowed ham to be placed on a spike and cut into beautiful spiral slices with double blades. Alongside the traditional ham, glazed versions became popular. Glazes were often made by mixing sugar with spices, creating a caramel coating that added a sweet, flavorful crust to the meat.

Interesting Facts

• There are various types of ham, including smoked, boiled, dried, and canned ham.
• Different countries have unique recipes for making ham. In the Philippines, for example, ham is stewed in sweet syrup until the salt is fully removed, resulting in sweet meat.
• Ham is an excellent source of animal protein and saturated fats, but it should be consumed in moderation due to its high sodium content.

How to Celebrate

Visit a restaurant to savor the taste of glazed spiral ham, or prepare it yourself at home. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of glaze to create your perfect version. Recipes are easily available online.

Share the holiday on social media. Ask others if they’ve tried glazed ham and what their impressions were.

When is National Glazed Spiral Ham Day in 2025?

National Glazed Spiral Ham Day is observed on April 15 each year.

Observations