WITH Christmas just around the corner it’s the time to grab a Christmas ham and SA’s best has been named.
Ellis Butchers, McLaren Vale, won the state’s best traditional bone-in ham in the Australian ham awards and Leabrook Quality Meats won best boneless ham.
The awards, held as part of Australian ham week, launch the Christmas ham season and celebrate the best 100 per cent Australian ham.
Australian Pork Limited’s Mitch Edwards said competition was fierce in the awards, with more than 150 entries.
“Hams from across Australia were assessed by three judges and were judged against a range of criteria, including appearance, texture, aroma and taste,” he said.
“These awards recognise the best traditional bone-in, boneless and nationally available hams made from 100pc home-grown ham and this year we were pleased to see top quality and flavour.”
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.
The judges described Ellis Butchers’ bone-in ham as having a very good appearance with a slightly smoky taste.
Churchills Butchery, Adelaide, placed second, with Leabrook Quality Meats in third.
Leabrook Quality Meats’ boneless ham had a very good appearance and good taste, the judges said.
Second place went to Richard Gunner’s Fine Meats, and third to Ellis Butchers.
The best Australian ham and best boneless ham went to Westridge Meats, Toowoomba, Qld.
The best traditional bone-in ham was awarded to Noosa Meat Centre, Noosaville, Qld.
The judges named the Bertocchi Brothers triple smoked leg ham the best nationally available ham.
“Australian Ham Week celebrates hams made from 100pc home-grown pork,” Mr Edwards said.
“Most people are surprised to find out hams can be made from imported pork.
“To ensure your ham is 100pc Australian, and not made from imported pork, look for the pink square PorkMark logo.”
As part of Ham Week celebrations, The Mayfair Hotel in Adelaide will be serving a glazed ham on its carvery trolley for the week.
Australian ham week runs December 4-10.