Christmas ham

What is Christmas ham?

Christmas ham is a large, cured ham that is the centerpiece of many Christmas meals, especially in Sweden, Australia, the United States, and the Philippines. The ham may be boiled or baked, and is often finished with a glaze or coating. In Sweden, it is covered with a mix of mustard, egg, and breadcrumbs, then browned. In the US, a sugar glaze with cloves is common. The ham is typically served sliced, either hot or cold, and can be part of a larger buffet or meal.

Where does Christmas ham come from?

The tradition of eating ham at Christmas is believed to have roots in old Germanic rituals, where a wild boar was sacrificed to the Norse god Freyr during harvest festivals. Over time, this custom evolved into serving a domesticated ham for Christmas, especially in Northern Europe. In the United States, Christmas ham became popular in the early 20th century, with commercial promotion and new curing methods helping it spread. Each country has developed its own way of preparing and serving the ham.

How is Christmas ham made?

To prepare Christmas ham, a cured ham is either boiled or baked. In Sweden, after cooking, it is coated with a mixture of mustard, egg, and breadcrumbs, then browned in the oven. In the United States, the ham is often scored in a diamond pattern, studded with cloves, and glazed with sugar before baking. In the Philippines, the ham may be soaked in citrus juices like kumquat and lime. Some regions in the US, such as southern Maryland, stuff the ham with greens before cooking.

How and when is Christmas ham eaten?

Christmas ham is typically served as the main dish at Christmas dinner. In Sweden, it is the highlight of the Christmas smörgåsbord, eaten cold with other cold cuts. In Australia, it is often served cold due to the summer season, alongside salads and seafood. In the United States, it may be served hot or cold, sometimes with sweet glazes. Leftover ham is commonly used in soups or other dishes after the holiday. In the Philippines, hamón is enjoyed at Christmas gatherings.

Kinds of Christmas ham

Different countries and regions have their own versions of Christmas ham. In Sweden, the classic version is mustard and breadcrumb-coated. In the US South, sugar-glazed hams with cloves are popular, while southern Maryland is known for stuffed hams with greens. In Australia, families may add their own special ingredients, and the ham is often served cold. The Filipino hamón is sometimes marinated in citrus juice, giving it a distinct flavor.

What Christmas ham means

Christmas ham is closely tied to festive celebrations and is a symbol of the holiday meal in several countries. In Sweden, it is the centerpiece of the julbord, a special Christmas buffet. In the United States, it rivals turkey as a holiday main dish and is part of Southern cooking traditions. In Australia, it reflects the adaptation of European customs to the summer season. In the Philippines, hamón is a cherished part of Christmas feasts.

When Christmas ham is on the table

Questions people ask about Christmas ham

Good reading and sources

• Christmas ham on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data