Australia’s best Christmas hams

Posted by Andrea Hogan on 29th November 2017

Woolworths' winning Christmas ham

Australia’s best Christmas hams for 2017 have been determined at the 2017 PorkMark Ham Awards.

Run by Australian Pork, each year the PorkMark Ham Awards decide the best hams in Australia across a number of different categories.

The Best Nationally Available Ham for 2017 went to Woolworths for the Woolworths Half Leg Ham – Bone In. The judges described Woolworths’ ham as having “a great cure, great creamy fat, good salt and great colour”.

The Best Artisan ham and Best Boneless Ham went to Pingelly Quality Meats in Western Australia. Pingelly’s ham was described by the judges as “perfectly smoky and sweet, with a brilliant initial taste, true to style and with even colouring”.

The Best Traditional Bone-In Ham was given to Barossa Fine Foods in South Australia with the judges noting “its well balanced and very mild flavours, mild smoke and excellent texture”.

More than 140 hams were entered into this year’s awards, which were judged by chefs Paul McDonald and Simon Bestly, along with Fleischmeister Horst Schurger, who has a master’s Degree in Butchering and Smallgoods.

Australian Pork Limited Marketing Manager, Mitch Edwards, said he believes bone-in Australian ham is the most popular festive meat and is intrinsically linked to Christmas.

“Now is the time to start your celebrations because quality Australian hams are now in season,” Edwards said.

“Select the best for your festive feast, but also consider a second ham to impress your guests during the party season.”

Complete list of 2017 PorkMark ham Award Winners

Overall Winner and best Artesian Ham

Pingelly Quality Meats – WA

Australia’s Best Boneless Ham

1^st Pingelly Quality Meats – WA

2^nd Sunvalley Fine Foods – QLD

3^rd German Butchery – NSW

Australia’s Best Traditional Bone-in Ham

1^st Barossa Fine Foods

2^nd Noosa Meat Centre