Its easy to confuse with a ham bone, but theyre actually different.
Find out whyand what a ham hock can do for your recipes.
We spoke with Southern chefs to get the dish.
Credit:Getty Images / Shaiith
What Is a Ham Hock?
Think of ham as the thigh and butt portion of a hogs back legs.
The ham bone is what remains after you roast and carve that portion.
The major difference is that ham hock is meant for seasoning.
A ham bone is often taken out after the meat is prepped.
A ham hock still has the meat and skin attached.
Many butchers across the country will also have them behind their counters.
Nationwide, its easy to source online via retailers likeBroadbent,Wild Fork, andHeritage Foods.
Seek out ham hock thats dark in color and aggressively smoked, Gillespie suggests.
If your ham hocks are vacuum-sealed, theyll last about 2 weeks.
Otherwise, plan to use them within 1 week.
Since it holds flavor well, youll still get the smoked, flavorful benefits of using it fresh.
OurSlow-Simmered Kale with Hamwill coach you through how to DIY.
Give this a go in this fan-favoritePressure Cooker Ham and Mixed Bean Soup.
Or try it instead of bacon inRefried Black-Eyed Peas.
No matter what ham hock recipe you choose, aim for a low and slow strategy.
The meat tends to be tough and needs some time to break down to tender territory.
