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.
History of National Glazed Spiral Ham Day
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.
National Glazed Spiral Ham Day timeline
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.
National Glazed Spiral Ham Day FAQs
What does it mean to glaze a ham?
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.
What is a spiral cut?
The spiral cut is a technique where the meat is sliced in one continuous cut, preserving the bone structure.
Are spiral hams raw?
No, spiral hams are fully cooked. They can be warmed in the oven before consumption, but overcooking is discouraged.
National Glazed Spiral Ham Day Activities
Eat glazed spiral ham
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.
Make your own glazed spiral ham
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.
Get creative with glazed spiral ham
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.
5 Facts About HoneyBaked Hams That Will Blow Your Mind
Only the best make the cut
Hams have to clear a 16-point quality inspection.
Slow and steady process
Hams cook on hardwood chips for a full day before being sliced.
More than HoneyBaked Hams
The store offers other meats and sides such as mac and cheese.
Expert in sweetness
Their desserts are just as loved as their spiral-cut hams.
The miscuts
Some stores sell unevenly cut hams at a discounted rate.
Why We Love National Glazed Spiral Ham Day
It is the best of both worlds
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?
It is a reminder of good times
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.
It is a unique invention
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.
National Glazed Spiral Ham Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 15 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 15 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 15 | Thursday |
| 2028 | April 15 | Saturday |
| 2029 | April 15 | Sunday |
