Glazed Ham with Pineapple
Glazed Ham with Pineapple is a festive centerpiece dish featuring a cured ham, often a spiral-cut or whole leg, coated in a sweet, sticky glaze and studded or topped with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries. The classic glaze typically combines brown sugar, mustard, and pineapple juice, creating a caramelized crust that contrasts with the savory, salty meat. This dish is a staple of holiday celebrations, particularly in the United States and the Philippines, where it's known as 'Hamon.'
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a high-protein, high-fat meal, with the ham providing substantial protein and the glaze contributing significant carbohydrates and sugar. A typical serving (about 4-6 ounces of ham with glaze and fruit) can range from 300 to 450 calories, with key nutrients including protein, B vitamins (especially B12), zinc, and selenium, though it is also high in sodium and added sugars.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 245 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Phosphorus | 210 mg |
| Zinc | 2.8 mg |
| Selenium | 22 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 4.5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.6 mcg |
| Iron | 1.1 mg |
Per 1 serving (150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The pairing of ham and pineapple is a classic example of the 'sweet and savory' flavor profile, which is believed to enhance the perception of both tastes. Nutritionally, the pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which can aid in digesting the proteins in the ham, making the combination not just flavorful but also functionally complementary.
