Jinhua Ham is a specialty of Jinhua City in Zhejiang Province, and is considered one of China's finest cured meat products. As early as the Tang dynasty, Jinhua already had ham-curing techniques. In the Ming dynasty, Jinhua Ham was listed as a tribute item. In 2008, the Jinhua Ham curing technique was included in the second National Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Sliced Jinhua Ham

Jinhua Ham is shaped like a bamboo leaf or a pipa, with a clear contrast of red and white. The lean meat is fragrant, savory with a hint of sweetness, while the fat is aromatic but not greasy, offering a delicious taste. The pigs selected for production are commonly known as "Two-Headed Black", with black coloration on the head, neck and rump, and white on the rest of the body. They have fine bones, thin skin, balanced fat-to-lean ratio, and tender meat quality. The hind legs must have white hooves, straight legs, an intact and undamaged shape, and weigh between 6 to 7.5 kilograms. Generally, Jinhua Ham is cured at low temperatures between the Start of Winter and the Start of Spring of the following year, followed by medium-temperature dehydration and high-temperature fermentation across more than 48 processes. It only reaches its final aroma and maturity after the dog days of summer.

Jinhua Ham has a rich aroma and a balanced salty-sweet taste. It can be eaten directly or used in cooking, and is one of the must-buy local specialties when visiting Jinhua.

Recommended Place to Visit

China Ham Exhibition Hall

China Ham Exhibition Hall, established in 2008, uses extensive graphics and physical exhibits to introduce in detail the history, culture, production techniques, commercial distribution, consumption, and storage knowledge of ham. It is the first dedicated museum in China's ham industry.

China Ham Exhibition Hall Source: Jinzi HamCo., Ltd.

Address: No. 1000 Jinfan Street, Industrial Park, Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 09:00–17:00, open to the public free of charge

Reservation phone: 0579-82262208 (please make reservations in advance for group visits)