ham hocks

what is it?

Ham hocks come from the bottom part of the pig’s leg, between the meaty ham and the foot. They’re typically cured and smoked, which gives them a longer shelf life and a more complex flavor.

Ham hocks are traditionally used to flavor Southern classics like black-eyed peas and collard greens. Though they contain too little meat to be worth eating on their own, they're great for boosting the flavor of other dishes, much as a bouillon cube does.

don't have it?

If you can’t find smoked ham hocks at the supermarket, a smoked turkey leg is a good substitute.

how to choose:

Look for ham hocks in the supermarket meat case, where they’re sometimes sold in two-packs. If your recipe only calls for only one, you can store the extra one, tightly wrapped, in the freezer for up to six months.