Join Justin Townsend and the Harvesting Nature crew as they explore the world of cooking wild fish and game while sharing recipes, tips, tricks, and lessons learned from their pursuit of wild food.
This ham has to be one of the most delicious hams I have ever made. I cannot recommend it enough. We enjoyed the ham sliced on toasted sourdough with Dijon mustard and pickles. Simple was best because the flavor of the ham was so mouthwatering.
This curing process is called Equilibrium Wet Brining and the result is a tender, juicy, and succulent ham. The recipe requires some math and exact measurements, but I provided some great tools below to help you with the ratios. Be patient and enjoy the result
Recipe by Justin TownsendCourse: Dinner, LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Difficult
Servings
5
servings
Prep time
144
hours
Cooking time
2
hours
This ham has to be one of the most delicious wild hams I have ever made. I cannot recommend it enough. We enjoyed the ham sliced on toasted sourdough with Dijon mustard and pickles. Simple was best because the flavor of the ham was so mouthwatering.
I gave you an exact amount on the meat weight I used in ratio to the pink curing salt, water, and sea salt. I used the Meat Curing Calculator Tool to determine the ratios. Be sure to use the Equilibrium Wet Brining method. I had to increase the water percentage from 40% to 75% because of the amount of water I needed to completely cover the meat in my container.
Measure the water first. Put the meat in the container first, add plain water to cover and then adjust the Water % for the tool. Note: I also use grams because it is easier to convert and get a more exact measurement.
Once you figure your ratios, combine the water, salt, and curing salt in a non-reactive bowl (Glass or Plastic). Stir until all the ingredients are incorporated.
Mix in the maple syrup, bay leaf, mustard seeds, and garlic cloves. Mix well
Add the meat to a non-reactive bowl or container (plastic or glass) and cover with the liquid. You may need to use a weight of some sort to keep the meat submerged. I used an empty mason jar.
Place the container in the refrigerator. A general rule for curing is 2 days per pound for small cuts and 3 days per pound for larger hams and shoulders. My pork was roughly 2.7 lbs so I rounded up and determined 6 days of curing was needed. I double checked my curing time using the calculator at the bottom of this website. The website accounts for the thickness of the cut.
On the 6th day, remove the pork from the refrigerator and wash it with cold water. Discarde the brine.
Return the meat to the container and cover with clean cold water. Return it to the refrigerator for 24 hours.
Bring a smoker to 325 degrees.
Remove the meat from the refrigerator and pat dry.
Cook in the smoker for approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees. After the first hour, glaze the meat every 15 minutes on both sides. See below for glaze directions.
Once the meat reaches 145 degrees, remove from the smoker and let rest for 15 minutes. Slice and enjoy!
For the Glaze
Bring a small sauce pan to medium heat on the stove.
Combine all ingredients and mix well.
Use a basting brush to glaze the meat every 15 minutes on both sides after the first hour. Be careful not to burn the glaze.
