North Country Smokehouse Organic Uncured Maple Bone-in Whole Ham

North Country Smokehouse

Flavor:

Ingredients:

Organic Pork Cured with Water, Sea Salt, Organic Turbinado Cane Sugar, Organic Vinegar Powder, Cultured Celery Powder (Cultured Celery Powder, Sea Salt), Organic Maple Syrup.

Rating:     Average

Ingredient Score:

Awarded 3 out of 5 green leaves, the North Country Smokehouse Organic Uncured Maple Bone-in Whole Ham presents a middle-of-the-road option for those seeking cleaner food choices. This ham is certified organic and made with non-GMO ingredients, ensuring that it aligns with core values of health-conscious consumers.

This product is crafted from organic pork and is cured using a blend of water, sea salt, and organic maple syrup, which adds a natural sweetness. The inclusion of organic turbinado cane sugar and organic vinegar powder contributes to the curing process. However, the use of added sugars, such as the organic turbinado cane sugar, detracts from the product’s health score due to the negative health impacts associated with excessive sugar consumption.

A significant concern is the presence of cultured celery powder, which acts as a natural preservative and is a source of nitrates. While nitrates are naturally occurring and commonly used in cured meats, there is debate regarding their health implications when consumed frequently or in large amounts. The use of celery powder, therefore, results in a reduction of the product’s overall health score.

Despite these concerns, the North Country Smokehouse Organic Uncured Maple Bone-in Whole Ham maintains its green leaf rating through its commitment to organic farming practices and avoidance of genetically modified organisms. This positions the ham as a more favorable alternative to many conventional options available in the marketplace.

For those prioritizing cleaner eating, this ham represents a compromise between the desire for organic, non-GMO ingredients and the need to limit added sugars and certain additives. It offers a step towards better options within the realm of processed meats, providing a choice that balances health considerations with the realities of food production and preservation.

Certifications:

Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.

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