Ham has been eaten for therefore lengthy by so many various cultures, it’s tough to say precisely the place its origins lie. Nonetheless, one broadly accepted narrative is that it was first consumed in Jinhua, a small metropolis in jap China. It’s claimed that Marco Polo, a service provider and adventurer from Venice, was so impressed by the ham when he visited China within the thirteenth century, he introduced the strategies for dry-curing the meat house with him to Europe.
However no matter its origins, there isn’t a denying that ham is likely one of the hottest meats globally. From Jinhua ham to Italian prosciutto to the American vacation roast, people everywhere in the world like to eat meat taken from the again legs of a pig. Within the US, on common, one particular person eats greater than 66 kilos of pork per capita, which incorporates ham, in addition to different pig meat merchandise, like sausage and bacon.
However whereas many take nice pleasure from consuming ham, manufacturing facility farms—the place most pigs are raised—can’t be described with the identical degree of pleasure. Tens of millions of pigs are packed in so tightly, they’re unable to precise their pure behaviors. These amenities are additionally so filthy, they’re breeding grounds for illness. Plus, they’re detrimental to the atmosphere.
However, for individuals who love ham and hate the way in which it’s produced, there may be another: vegan ham. Right here, we’ve gathered all the very best vegan ham manufacturers available on the market, in addition to some straightforward recipes if you wish to make it your self. However first, let’s take a more in-depth take a look at the pig farming trade, in addition to what vegan ham truly is.
What’s improper with ham?
Yearly, round 1.5 billion pigs are killed for meals. Most of them are born and raised on industrial manufacturing facility farms. Within the US, one concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) can maintain round 2,500 pigs. In these amenities, they’re packed in so tightly, they can’t categorical their pure behaviors.
Smithfield Meals, one of many largest pork producers within the US, was not too long ago accused of preserving pigs in horrific situations. In 2017, investigators reported discovering piles of lifeless piglets on one farm, in addition to animals that had been ravenous or unable to stroll. (The activists who entered the farm selected to save lots of two piglets and had been not too long ago taken to court docket by Smithfield for housebreaking. They had been acquitted.)
Pexels
However Smithfield isn’t alone. Merciless practices are widespread on farms all over the world. Gestation crates, for instance, are broadly used. These are small steel enclosures, which supply the animals no room to show round, the place pregnant pigs are stored to cease them from being aggressive in the direction of different animals. In 2007, Smithfield pledged to section out the crates, however when investigators entered the farm in 2017, they discovered them nonetheless in use.
Animal welfare points apart, pig farms are additionally a risk to the atmosphere. Simply final yr, a few of Spain’s industrial pig farms had been linked to the collapse of the Mar Menor lagoon, the most important saltwater lagoon in Europe. Fish had been suffocated, declare scientists, on account of years of nitrogen runoffs from surrounding pig farms. Waste from the farms brought on a poisonous algae bloom, which poisoned the lagoon and destroyed its ecosystems.
Pig farming additionally contributes to animal agriculture’s total emissions. In accordance with the United Nations, livestock emits 14.5 p.c of world greenhouse gasses.
Pig farms are additionally a risk to human well being, in just a few other ways. Monumental manure pits pollute the air and water, presenting a significant risk to life. In North Carolina, the primary US state for pork manufacturing, research counsel that in communities with lots of pig farms, the chance of kidney illness, sepsis, bronchial asthma, and bacterial an infection is increased.
Pexels
However pig farms don’t simply threaten the well being of close by communities. In accordance with some scientists, they’re additionally a world pandemic danger. In 2020, pigs in China had been discovered with a pressure of influenza that might bounce the species barrier from animals to people. If it does, it would turn into a zoonotic illness. In accordance with the World Well being Group, round 60 p.c of rising infectious illnesses are zoonotic, which implies they originate in animals.
What’s vegan ham?
But when all this info has put you off your urge for food for ham, we can assist you get it again. Vegan ham appears, cooks, and tastes similar to pig meat, however it’s completely plant-based. Whether or not you’re after sliced vegan ham or a vegan roast ham for the vacation desk, it’s straightforward to seek out completely different choices made out of components like seitan, tofu, beans, and extra. All of them have an identical texture and style, solely with out the numerous environmental, moral, and well being points that come from the true factor.
Is vegan ham wholesome?
How wholesome vegan ham is relies on just a few elements, like what components it makes use of or the place you purchase it from. Many vegan meats from manufacturers, for instance, are full of protein, however they could not have a ton of nutritional vitamins and minerals. If you happen to select to make vegan ham at house with chickpeas and even watermelon (sure, critically! Extra on that later), this will likely have extra nutritional vitamins than some store-bought varieties.
That mentioned, most vegan ham choices are more healthy than standard ham varieties. Many sliced hams available on the market, for instance, are processed, and processed meat is linked with various well being situations, together with an elevated danger of coronary heart illness. It’s also a recognized carcinogen.
Earlier this yr, one evaluation, which examined 43 research on the subject, concluded that plant-based meat merchandise are more healthy and higher for the planet than their animal-based counterparts.
Vegan ham manufacturers
Whether or not you’re after a sliced sandwich filler or a giant vacation roast, relating to vegan ham, these plant-based manufacturers have you ever lined.
Tofurky
1 Tofurky
Because the identify implies, Tofurky (which was began again within the ‘90s) started its vegan meat journey by making vegan turkey merchandise out of tofu. Since then, it has expanded its providing to incorporate a number of completely different plant-based meats, together with ham. If you happen to’re after a desk centerpiece, its Ham Roast with Amber Ale Glaze goes completely with roasted greens and stuffing. Or, in the event you’re trying to layer up a sandwich, it additionally gives Plant-Based mostly Deli Slices in Smoked Ham Model.
Test it out
Lightlife
2 Lightlife
Massachusetts model Lightlife has been making vegan meats because the ‘70s. It began with tempeh and has since expanded right into a plant-based meat empire. (It’s now value round $80 million!) In addition to turkey, its Sensible Deli slices vary consists of “candy and smoky” ham, which packs in 13 grams of protein per serving.
Test it out
Yves
3 Yves
One other OG vegan and vegetarian meat model, Canada-based Yves Veggie Delicacies has been round for greater than 20 years. Its big selection of Deli Slices consists of Veggie Ham, which is fortified with vitamin B12. The vegan meat product can be a supply of iron, vitamin C, and protein.
Test it out
Candy Earth Meals
4 Candy Earth Meals
California model Candy Earth Meals has been round since 2011 however was acquired by Nestlé in 2017. Its 30-strong product vary consists of Applewood Smoked Taste Ham, which is made with very important wheat gluten (the idea of seitan). The realistic-looking meat accommodates 15 grams of protein per serving and works effectively in the whole lot from sandwiches to pasta (whats up, vegan carbonara!).
Test it out
Lily’s Vegan Pantry
5 Lily’s Vegan Pantry
New York-based Lily’s Vegan Pantry, previously often known as Might Wah Vegetarian Market, has been supplying the US with life like, scrumptious vegan meats for greater than 25 years. It was based by Lee Mee, who missed Taiwan’s big selection of vegetarian mock meats when she moved to the US in 1979. In the present day, the model gives a variety of vegan merchandise. And relating to ham, there are fairly just a few selections. Amongst them are Vegan Stewed Ham, Vegan Smoked Ham, and even Vegan Ham with Fried Rice.
Test it out
Plant Provisions
6 Plant Provisions
In contrast to the opposite manufacturers on this listing, Plant Provisions is comparatively new to the vegan meat world, however that doesn’t imply it lacks choices. Its vary of deli slices can fill the ham void in any sandwich or sub. Select from Smokehouse, Tuscan (with crimson peppers), or in the event you’re within the temper for some spice, Chipotle Chili.
Test it out
Vegan ham recipes
If you happen to really feel like getting artistic within the kitchen, you can strive your hand at considered one of these recipes and make vegan ham at house, utilizing the whole lot from seitan to chickpeas.
The Cheeky Chickpea
1 Vegan Ham With Seitan
Due to its meaty texture and look, seitan is a typical ingredient in vegan ham. This recipe combines it with tofu to get a very juicy, chewy outcome that even appears virtually an identical to the true deal. You possibly can proudly serve this vegan ham for a vacation feast, slice it up for sandwiches, or each!
Get the recipe
Nora Cooks
2 Vegan Ham With Chickpeas
If you happen to actually need a showstopper in the course of your vacation desk this yr, however you don’t fancy serving up actual ham, cease proper there: you’ve discovered the vegan recipe you’re on the lookout for. This vegan ham roast, which mixes chickpeas and very important wheat gluten, will critically impress your dinner company. There’s even a maple glaze, too.
Get the recipe
Veggie Kins
3 Vegan Ham With Tofu
Tofu is arguably probably the most versatile vegan components round. It might probably kind the idea of so many vegan meats, and ham is not any exception. The secret is the marinade. Permit the tofu to soak in all of the scrumptious flavors by marinating it for loads of time. After that, bake and serve with tasty vegan gravy.
Get the recipe
My Aware Consuming
4 Vegan Ham With Watermelon
It sounds unusual at first, however sure, watermelon actually can work as a vegan ham various. After all, it gained’t have the very same meaty texture, however with the precise mix of spices and smoky flavoring, you’ll be pleasantly stunned by this recipe. It even appears the half. Watermelon ham could be made all yr spherical, however it actually shines on the grill, so maybe one to save lots of for the summer season months.
Get the recipe
Zardy Vegetation
5 Vegan Ham With Seitan and Kidney Beans
Once more, due to seitan, you may assure this vegan ham recipe goes to have a satisfyingly meaty texture. Kidney beans are added for further nutritional vitamins and minerals, but in addition so you may obtain that life like ham-like pink coloration. Significantly, your company are going to be past impressed if you wheel this one out for the vacation desk.
Get the recipe
For extra on vegan meat, learn:
Charlotte is a author and editor based mostly in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
