What Part of the Pig Is Ham?

Let’s Talk About Ham

Ham has always had a place at my table, whether it’s during a holiday feast, sliced into sandwiches, or baked with a honey glaze. But I’ve often been asked, what part of the pig is ham exactly? It’s a fair question. So let me clear that up: ham comes from the rear leg of the pig. Simple as that. Whether it’s smoked, cured, or fresh, it all starts with the same cut, the hind leg.
When you’re biting into that juicy, salty slice of ham, you’re eating muscle that’s worked just enough to give flavor, but not so much that it turns tough. It’s this balance that makes ham so versatile and delicious.

The Different Types of Ham

There isn’t just one kind of ham. Here are the types I see most often at butcher shops and on store shelves:

• Fresh Ham: This is an uncured leg of pork. It looks more like a pork roast than traditional ham. You’ll need to cook it thoroughly, just like any other raw cut of pork.
• Cured Ham: This is the kind you’re likely familiar with. It’s been preserved with a mix of salt, sugar, and sometimes other seasonings. It can be dry-cured (like country ham) or wet-cured (like city ham).
• Smoked Ham: After curing, some hams are smoked for added depth of flavor. This gives it that familiar smoky aroma that always reminds me of holiday dinners.
• Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in hams offer more flavor and make a great presentation, while boneless hams are easier to slice and serve.

Where on the Pig Is It Exactly?

Picture the pig from snout to tail. Ham comes from the upper part of the hind leg, above the hock. If you’re familiar with pork cuts, this section is the back thigh. It’s a large, meaty cut that’s perfect for slow roasting, curing, or smoking. The muscle fibers here are leaner than in the shoulder, but they still carry enough fat to stay moist and tender when cooked right.

How Ham Is Prepared Around the World

Depending on where you are, ham can mean different things. In Italy, prosciutto is aged and air-dried. In Spain, jamón ibérico is rich and nutty from pigs fed on acorns. In the U.S, it’s common to find hams glazed with brown sugar, pineapple, or honey mustard.
I’ve come to appreciate all these variations, but they all trace back to that same place on the pig: the hind leg. It’s fascinating how one cut can wear so many cultural hats.

Cooking and Serving Ham

Over the years, I’ve found that cooking ham is one of the most satisfying and forgiving kitchen tasks. Whether you’re working with a fully cooked ham, a smoked variety, or a fresh leg, a few simple techniques can transform it into a show-stopping centerpiece.
For fully cooked or smoked hams, you’re essentially warming it through and adding flavor. I like to score the surface in a crosshatch pattern, which helps any glaze soak in and caramelize beautifully. Then I brush on a glaze made from brown sugar, mustard, honey, or even a splash of bourbon—whatever flavors I’m craving that day. Pop it in the oven at around 325°F (163°C) and allow 10 to 15 minutes per pound, basting every so often for that irresistible glossy finish.
When it comes to fresh ham, which is raw pork from the hind leg, I treat it more like a roast. I rub it with garlic, herbs, olive oil, and salt, then roast it low and slow until it reaches a safe internal temperature (about 145°F/63°C followed by a short rest). The result is juicy, tender meat that slices beautifully and pairs well with everything from roasted root vegetables to crisp apple salad.
Ham is just as wonderful for leftovers. I often tuck slices into biscuits, make split pea soup with the bone, or chop it into scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast. It’s one of those meats that keeps on giving—no matter how you serve it.

How to Store Ham Properly

Once the ham has been cooked or opened, storing it correctly is key to keeping it fresh and safe to eat. I always make sure to refrigerate any leftovers within two hours. Wrap the ham tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors in the fridge. Cooked ham will last in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. If you don’t plan to eat it within that time, freezing is a great option. Sliced or whole, ham can be frozen for up to two months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge and not on the counter to maintain food safety.

Curious for More?

If you’re as obsessed with pork as I am, check out our favorite ham recipes and curing guides. Want to learn about the whole pig? Our illustrated pork cuts diagram breaks it down from snout to tail. You can also follow along on social media for tips, kitchen-tested recipes, and how-to videos that make meat cooking easier and tastier.