The countdown to Christmas has officially begun, which means the hunt is on for the perfect ham. Nothing beats the mouth-watering delights of a glistening ham on Christmas Day, whether its smoked, glazed, baked, on or off the bone.

To inspire your festive feast-planning, Australian Pork has announced the winners of the prestiged Aussie Ham Awards. This award exists to shine a light on Australian pork producers, and drawing attention to the fact that 75 percent of Australian ham and bacon are made from imported pork, not locally produced meat.

Esteemed judges this year were Fleischmeister Horst Schurger and chefs Simon Bestley and Darren Smith. Each assessed 155 Australian ham offerings, remarking on the high quality of each. First and second place were also awarded in the nationally-available category, with an IGA product taking out first and Woolworths product in second.

Receiving the title of ‘Overall Artisan winner and Best Traditional Bone-In’
was Pattemore’s Meats in Queensland for their Traditional Bone-In ham.

The judges described this ham as neat with good shape, excellent flavour and balance and a perfect internal appearance. In short, the perfect ham to proudly display as your Christmas centrepiece.

If you’re looking for a similarly delicious, aesthetically pleasing ham without the need to carve around the bone, look no further than the nation’s best boneless ham.

Voted ‘Best Boneless Ham’
German Butchery Pty Limited, Bexley, New South Wales
Judges were impressed by the shape and trim of this ham, commenting on the abundance of moisture and perfectly balanced sweetness it offered.

NATIONAL RESULTS

Overall Artisan winner
Pattemore’s Meats, Alexandra Hills, Queensland for their Traditional Bone-In ham.

Traditional Bone-in

1.             Pattemore’s Meats, Alexandra Hills, Queensland
2.             Noosa Meat Centre, Noosaville, Queensland
3.             Sunshine Meats, Milperra, New South Wales

Boneless

1.             German Butchery Pty Limited, Bexley, New South Wales.
2.             Barkly Smokehouse Pty Limited, Thornbury, Victoria
3.             Meatways Butchery, Kambah, Australian Capital TerritoryYou can learn more about the awards and award winners online.