Pork, cured, ham, center slice, separable lean and fat, unheated
Whole food · Pork Products
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a pre-cooked, center-cut slice of cured ham, offering a perfect balance of lean meat and a thin, flavorful fat cap. Its texture is tender yet firm, with a savory, salty, and subtly smoky flavor profile. Nutritionally, it's a high-protein, virtually carb-free option, making it a staple for low-carb and keto diets.
Calorie split: 41% protein · 0% carbs · 59% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its deep, satisfying umami flavor and incredible versatility—it's equally at home in a classic sandwich, a hearty breakfast, or a sophisticated salad. It carries a sense of comfort food nostalgia and is a cornerstone of many holiday traditions.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary concern is its high sodium content from the curing salt, which can contribute to water retention and is a consideration for those managing blood pressure. To counteract this, pair it with potassium-rich foods like leafy greens or avocado, and practice portion control. Always check labels for added sugars or phosphates if you are sensitive.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of complete protein (20g per 100g)
- Very low in carbohydrates and sugar
- Provides essential minerals like phosphorus, selenium, and B vitamins
- Convenient, ready-to-eat protein source
- Long shelf life due to curing process
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The term 'city ham' refers to ham that is wet-cured with brine and often smoked, a process popularized in the 19th century by cities like Cincinnati and Chicago to meet mass demand, contrasting with traditional 'country ham' which is dry-cured and aged.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 63.5 g |
| Energy | 203 kcal |
| Energy | 849 kj |
| Protein | 20.2 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 12.9 g |
| Ash | 3.4 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.05 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 7.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.75 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 16.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 215 mg |
| Potassium, K | 337 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 1386 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.9 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.07 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.03 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 22.6 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.84 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.20 mg |
| Niacin | 4.8 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.50 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.47 mg |
| Folate, total | 4.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 4.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 4.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.80 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 4.6 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.17 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.9 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.5 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 6.1 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.42 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 5.6 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.4 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.78 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.14 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.08 g |
| Cholesterol | 54.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.24 g |
| Threonine | 0.90 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.88 g |
| Leucine | 1.6 g |
| Lysine | 1.7 g |
| Methionine | 0.53 g |
| Cystine | 0.30 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.87 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.66 g |
| Valine | 0.88 g |
| Arginine | 1.3 g |
| Histidine | 0.72 g |
| Alanine | 1.2 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.9 g |
| Glutamic acid | 3.3 g |
| Glycine | 1.0 g |
| Proline | 0.86 g |
| Serine | 0.83 g |
FAQ
What's the difference between center slice and other ham slices?
Center slices come from the middle of the ham leg, offering a more uniform shape with a balanced ratio of lean meat to fat. They are often more tender and visually appealing than slices from the shank or butt ends.
Is this type of ham already cooked?
Yes, cured and smoked hams like this are fully cooked and safe to eat cold. However, they are often reheated to enhance flavor and texture, or used as an ingredient in cooked dishes.
How should I store leftover ham slices?
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices separated by parchment paper for up to 1-2 months.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 2.03 kcal/g · 40% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 4.11 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.