Madison County’s participation in youth country ham competition made a statement at this year’s State Fair. Speech making and judging of cured hams resulted in four state level division winners from the county. Julia Reid is the County Extension Office Four-H agent. She said the process starts with ham acquisition in January and it includes some mold removal. Reid said mold is not an indicator of spoilage.
“Because they have such a high salt content, it draws most of the moisture out. And that causes everything pretty much except mold to not be able to live on the hams. So, that’s why it’s shelf stable is because bacteria that cause spoilage can’t live on the ham or in the ham,” said Reid.
Hams from 37 young people who took part in the country ham project will be auctioned off Thursday night at the Madison County Fairgrounds.
