Nuss Schinken is a German ham similar to Westphalian ham, but smaller and drier. Both undergo a double preparation process and are made from special pigs. It can be hard to find and is best served in thin slices. Look for it in German delicatessens or order it from specialty meat processors.
Nuss Schinken is an imported German ham that is typically cured and dry smoked. In German, Schinken means ham, so you’ll find many different kinds of Schinken. Nuss Schinken is similar in taste and texture to Westphalian ham, and may be known as small Westphalian ham. The main differences are that the overall cut is a little smaller and the ham itself is usually a little drier than the Westphalian type. You can usually substitute one for the other in recipes that call for both.
Nuss Schinken and Westphalian hams are sometimes called German ham. They can be served better in paper thin slices, because they are somewhat dry and salty. You can substitute Nuss Schinken for ham in the popular recipe for ham-wrapped melon. Gourmets often think that Nuss Schinken and Westphalian are two of the most desirable hams, since they are time-consuming to prepare and the results are considered delicious.
Both types of hams undergo a double preparation process before being sold. Dry curing occurs first, which essentially involves salting the outside of the ham and leaving it there until the salt is absorbed into the meat. Once the dry curing process is complete, the hams are smoked very slowly over different types of wood. Westfalia and Nuss Schinken typically use juniper berries and sometimes sage for this smoking process which takes at least a month.
The pigs used to produce both types of ham are special. They are fed a diet of acorns and nuts, which many insist make a big difference in the final product. They tend to be lower in fat than other pigs and have a light, delicate flavor. This flavor is then given special attention through the double preparation process.
In appearance, Nuss Schinken is dark pink or almost red, and its exterior color is dark brown to black. If you don’t have a professional slicer at home, you might want to have your local deli pre-prepare it for you, since cutting it at home into the thin slices it requires can be challenging. You may also have a hard time finding Nuss Schinken; it is much easier to find Westphalian ham.
Look for it in delicatessens, especially German ones, or look for ham in special butchers. Your butcher may be able to order it if you give them advance notice. Although most of this ham is produced in Germany, there are some American companies that produce this ham. An internet search may reveal several sausage companies and meat processors that specialize in creating authentic specialty hams.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
