Smithfield ham

food

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Smithfield ham is a specific type of Virginia ham produced in or near Smithfield, Virginia. Ham, in general, is the rear leg of a hog prepared as food, either fresh or preserved through curing processes like salting, smoking, or drying.12

Smithfield hams are known for their sweetness and are made from hogs fattened on acorns, nuts, and corn. The curing process involves dry-salting for 30-37 days, followed by spicing with black pepper and cold smoking for 10-15 days. The ham is then aged for at least one year. This distinct preparation method has made Smithfield hams a celebrated delicacy, even noted as a favorite of Queen Victoria.2

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ham
…United States are those of Smithfield, Virginia, which are processed from hogs fattened on acorns, nuts, and corn. The hams are cured in a dry mixture for 30–37 days, then spiced with black pepper, and cold smoked (at 70–90 °F [21–27 °C]) for another 10–15 days. Afterward the ham is…
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…United States are those of Smithfield, Virginia, which are processed from hogs fattened on acorns, nuts, and corn. The hams are cured in a dry mixture for 30–37 days, then spiced with black pepper, and cold smoked (at 70–90 °F [21–27 °C]) for another 10–15 days. Afterward the ham is…
Read More