Longqing Ham

Longqing Ham

　　　Longqing Ham is widely renowned, boasting a distinctive style among similar domestic products and enjoying great fame throughout the city as well as considerable renown within the province. With its pure color, aroma, and flavor, it has won the favor and praise of a large number of consumers. The Longqing Township enjoys the natural advantage of a high, cold, and cool climate with low air humidity, providing ideal conditions for ham processing.

　　The Longqing Township enjoys the natural advantage of a high, cold, and cool climate with low air humidity, providing ideal conditions for ham processing.

　　There is a story about traditional Longqing Ham. It is said that in the past, one way for local men to propose to women was to give them a ham. If the woman was interested, she would accept the ham, whether it was a wrinkled old one or a dark black ham. Once the ham was accepted, the marriage was considered settled—thus showing the status of this traditional ham. So, what exactly is the charm of Longqing Old Ham?

　　At first glance, Longqing Old Ham looks dark and greasy—not particularly appealing. But once sliced open, the ham transforms completely, revealing bright red, fresh white, and tender layers, along with a rich fragrance that is hard to resist. When prepared by skilled chefs and served, one bite reveals an aromatic, exquisite taste. This has made Longqing Old Ham a famous dish on local tables, beloved and highly praised by both locals and visitors from far and wide.

　　Longqing Old Ham tastes delicious, but its production process is extremely rigorous, involving five key steps: butchering, salting, curing, drying, and smoking. Among these, hams that have been smoked and hung for over a year lose all their moisture, with their exterior turning from red to black while the inside becomes fine and red-and-white in hue, turning into a uniquely flavored local specialty product. If smoked and hung for over two years, the texture and flavor of the old ham become even better. Moreover, if this old ham is steamed using the "separate pot" method, it allows the aroma to be brought out fully. Of course, eating raw old ham is also incredibly tender and delicious. As the saying goes, good food pairs well with fine wine—enjoying old ham with a fine drink is simply an unforgettable experience.