Ask the butcher to remove the skin if you prefer, but ask them to leave as much fat as possible for basting. 3. Buying Guidelines How to skin and glaze a ham
This is raw, uncured hind leg pork, appearing pale pink/beige like a pork roast. It has not been salted or smoked, offering a natural pork flavor. Raw Gammon Joint
Look for a moist, soft-to-the-touch joint. If it feels tough, it is too old.
This guide will help you select, evaluate, and purchase an uncooked (raw) ham joint for roasting, boiling, or smoking. 1. Identify Your Raw Ham Type
Always prefer bone-in . The bone adds deep flavor, holds the meat together, and provides a superior base for stocks or soups later. Shank vs. Butt End:
Avoid "ham and water product." Only purchase items labeled simply "ham" or "ham with natural juices" to avoid watery, spongy, or bland meat.
Top half of the leg, leaner, more meat, but trickier T-shaped bone.
"Uncooked" can mean several different things depending on your cooking method.