Australia’s best Christmas ham has been revealed
Australia’s top supermarket chains have gone head-to-head for title of “best Christmas ham” of 2020, but there’s only one winner.
The country’s major supermarket chains – Coles, Woolies, Aldi, IGA, Costco – have battled it out in what is arguably the most competitive awards of the year.
For the first time, Australian Pork decided to host the “Best supermarket Christmas ham” of the year awards after major retailers responded to consumer demand to stock more Aussie-made hams — and we know who came out on top.
Out of all the five major chains, it is German retailer Aldi that took out the most reputable title of “Overall Favourite” for its Triple Smoked Ham Half Leg.
The $11.99 ham was described by the judges as a “good-looking, strong ham, with a uniform colour and a long-lasting smoky taste that isn’t overpowering”.
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It’s also a premium Australian grown half leg ham that is cured, cooked and triple smoked with natural wood using traditional European methods.
However, the ham to take out the “Best Overall Value” award went to Costco’s $7.99 Central Highlands Pork Ham on the Bone.
The tender cut is made with 100 per cent Australian outdoor bred pork and also got a great wrap by the judges for having a “well-balanced taste between sweet and smoky”.
“(It) would make the perfect baked ham,” the judges said.
The fate of the Christmas hams were in the hands of Margo Andrae, who is the CEO of Australian Pork Limited, together with Judy Croagh, a farmer from Western Plains Pork and
Clement Chauvin, owner and executive chef of Les Bistronomes in Canberra.
The trio judged the cuts based on appearance (external, internal, evenness of colour), texture (moisture, tenderness), aroma (smokey or sweet) and taste (saltiness, sweetness).
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A survey of 1,000 Australians who shop for Christmas meals, commissioned by the
Australian pork industry, found 62 per cent have become more focused on buying local products and food in the last 12 months.
“Throughout the year, the majority of ham and bacon products available in-store are made
using imported pork, and the labelling can be confusing for consumers,” Ms Andrae said.
“Fortunately, this Christmas, were seeing plenty of ham made using Australian pork in our
butchers and supermarkets across the country, making it affordable and accessible for
families, while also supporting our farmers and regional communities.
“More Australian pork in-store means there are more affordable and tasty options for
Australian families this Christmas but we still recommend double-checking the labels to
ensure your ham is made from locally produced pork.”
The survey results identified Christmas ham as Australia’s favourite festive food (at 55 per cent), edging out seafood (35 per cent), roast pork with crackling (31 per cent) and pavlova (28 per cent).
It also revealed that 53 per cent of Aussies will try to spend the same amount on food this Christmas as they have in previous years, while 37 per cent of people will try to spend less on food this Christmas than they have previously.
HOW TO CHOOSE A CHRISTMAS HAM
According to fleischmeister (German for ‘meat master’) Horst Schurger, the key to choosing a good ham is to avoid anything wet or rubbery.
“Look for a natural meaty texture,” he said on the Australian Pork website.
Don’t be shy to ask a butcher to taste the ham, he said, adding it should have a good smoky flavour.
“Look for smooth, even skin and even colouring. If the knuckle is sunken, it’s overcooked. If the rind is buckled or uneven, it’s a sign of dryness,” Mr Schurger said.
“Hams 10-12kg are most likely to have the best flavour and texture due to age of the pig.
“For the best results, opt for fresh Australian pork rather than hams made in Australia from frozen imported meat.”
To be sure you’re buying Australian ham and bacon, Australian Pork recommends to look for its distinctive logo or buy a bone-in ham.