National Glazed Spiral Ham Day is celebrated every year on April 15 across the nation. The glazed spiral ham is a unique twist on the widely known curated meat. Usually a part of holiday feasts, the glazed spiral ham is a magical indulgence that needs to be celebrated. 

For centuries, meat carvers struggled to navigate their way around the ham bone. In 1952, Harry J. Hoenselaar saved the day. He devised a machine that skewers a machine on spikes at the top and bottom. Hoenselaar equipped the machine with a spring-loaded slicing blade that slowly cuts through the meat, stopping when met with resistance. As the meat rotates, the spikes create a unique spiral design on it. 

Hoenselaar was also the founder of the national chain, HoneyBaked Ham. Back in the day, these stores were the only sellers of the spiral-cut ham. Luckily for us, today you can buy this magical delicacy anywhere. 

Glazed spiral hams come in half or whole, boneless or bone-in packaging. They are either pre-glazed or contain the glaze in a bag. You could even opt to create your glaze. The butt end of the ham is leaner than the shank end. The glazed spiral ham has something for everyone (meat-eaters, of course).

This dish is commonly featured in big, holiday feasts. With its fascinating creation technology and uniqueness, it is an occasional indulgence that is welcomed with open arms. The glazed spiral ham is enjoyed during celebrations, and then creates the best leftover sandwiches the day after. Some may argue that these are better than the day-of ham. The glazed spiral ham is a beautiful invention and deserves a day to be celebrated fully. National Glazed Spiral Ham Day recognizes this fan-favorite on April 15 every year.

Hoenselaar files patent for spiral-sliced ham.

Hoenselaar invents the spiral-slicing machine and files a patent.

Hoenselaar establishes HoneyBaked Ham in Michigan.

Hoenselaar’s patent for spiral-cut ham expires.

Glazing means adding a glaze to enhance the flavor, texture, and color of the ham. The glaze can be made with a variety of ingredients.

The spiral cut is a technique where the meat is sliced in one continuous cut, preserving the bone structure.

No, spiral hams are fully cooked. They can be warmed in the oven before consumption, but overcooking is discouraged. 

What better way to celebrate National Glazed Spiral Ham Day than to eat glazed spiral ham? Whether it is with your family and friends or alone, treat yourself to some sweet glazed ham and have a mini celebration.

While most of our kitchens are missing the legendary spiral-slicing machine, this day can be an opportunity to make spiral ham. Try to find a recipe to recreate this delicacy with the tools you have, or you can just make a homemade glaze.

Outside of its original uses, the glazed spiral ham has the potential to support other dishes. This National Glazed Spiral Ham Day, try to create your unique recipe using the glazed spiral ham. This is the activity that gave us the leftover sandwich, after all.

Hams have to clear a 16-point quality inspection.

Hams cook on hardwood chips for a full day before being sliced.

The store offers other meats and sides such as mac and cheese.

Their desserts are just as loved as their spiral-cut hams.

Some stores sell unevenly cut hams at a discounted rate.

Sweet and savory deliciousness all in one? Yes, please! The savoriness of the ham with the addition of the sweet, yummy glaze is an unparalleled combination. What is not to love?

The glazed spiral ham is often a part of family gatherings or holiday feasts. By association, it becomes symbolic of good days, quality time, love, laughs, and celebration.

The spiral-cutting technique is revolutionary in the curated meat world. Meat carvers were stumped by bones before, and this limited what they could do with meat. This is no longer a problem and the options available in the processed meat world are more than ever.

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