The results are in, and it's official, Queenslanders make the best hams in Australia according to Australian Pork's 2016 Australian Ham Awards.
The Overall Winner, Best Australian Ham and Best Boneless Ham awards went to Westridge Meats, Toowoomba, Queensland. The judges commended its perfect presentation and great smoky taste.
The Best Traditional Bone-In Ham was awarded to the Noosa Meat Centre in Noosaville, Queensland, for its great colour, perfect texture and excellent taste.
If you can't get any of these, the judges named the Bertocchi Brothers Triple Smoked Leg Ham the Best Nationally Available Ham. They said the ham was nicely presented, with a great smoky taste and aroma.
Australian Pork Limited Marketing Manager, Mitch Edwards, said the appearance of bone-in hams was a sure sign Christmas was just around the corner.
“Some people wait for the Christmas lights, but many are hanging out for that first slice of ham carved straight from the bone,” Mr Edwards said.
“Australian Ham Week celebrates beautiful home-grown hams and this year we’re expecting to see high demand as they taste great, look spectacular and support our local farmers.
“A beautiful glazed ham is a perfect centrepiece for a Christmas feast or festive party, or, if you’re like me, you’ll be happy eating ham sliced straight from the bone.”
While most people want to support Australian farmers, more than 56 per cent of people are unaware that ham can be made using imported pork.
“It really comes as a surprise to people that not all ham is Australian,” Mr Edwards said.
“However, the good news is, all bone-in hams are proudly 100 per cent Australian. Also, the pink square Australian Pork logo also ensures that.”
This year’s judges were Fleischmeister Horst Schurger, who has a Master’s degree in Butchering and Smallgoods from the Master College in Monchengladbach, Germany, and chefs, Paul McDonald and Nick Whitehouse. More than 150 entries were assessed against a range of criteria, including appearance, texture, aroma and taste.
Need some inspiration for your Christmas ham? Here are some tips from five food lovers.
Do you have a favourite ham glaze? Please share it in the comments below.
Feeling hungry? Here's where to get your hams.
Overall Winner and Best Artisan Ham
Westridge Meats Toowoomba, Qld (07) 4635 6611
Traditional Bone-in Leg Ham
1st Noosa Meat Centre Noosaville, Qld (07) 5474 1666
2nd Campbell’s Superior Meats West Pymble, NSW 0403 787 411
3rd Wattle City Meats Maryborough, Vic (03) 5460 4637
Boneless Ham
1st Westridge Meats Toowoomba, Qld (07) 4635 6611
2nd Sunshine Meats Milperra, NSW (02) 9774 5543
3rd Andrew’s Choice Melbourne, Vic (03) 8360 8688
Best Nationally Available Ham
Bertocchi Brothers Triple Smoked Leg Ham, available exclusively through Coles Supermarkets.
Disclaimer: Simply sharing ham love.