You typically won't find these sitting in the standard deli or refrigerated ham aisle of a grocery store. You usually need to visit a local butcher or specialty meat market like May Hill Farm .
There is a specific category of ham that is technically raw (never heated) but safe to eat due to the curing process. Products like Prosciutto di Parma can you buy raw ham
or are cured for a year or more. The high salt content and long drying time make them shelf-stable and safe to eat without cooking. Comparison of Ham Types Processed? Safe to eat "Raw"? Common Use Fresh Ham ❌ No, must be fully cooked Roasting, DIY curing Country Ham Yes (Dry-cured) ❌ No, usually needs cooking/soaking Breakfast slices, holiday mains City Ham Yes (Brined) ✅ Yes (Pre-cooked) Standard deli sandwiches Prosciutto Yes (Aged) ✅ Yes (Safe as-is) Charcuterie, appetizers Tips for Buying Raw Ham You typically won't find these sitting in the
Because it is entirely raw pork, it must be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F ( Products like Prosciutto di Parma or are cured
Brands like Burgers' Smokehouse sell these hams "raw" or "uncooked".
) with a three-minute rest, though many recipes call for roasting it like a traditional pork roast. 2. Uncooked Cured Ham (Country Ham)
These hams are preserved using a dry-rub curing process but have not been heated or smoked to the point of being "ready-to-eat". The most famous example in the U.S. is Country Ham , which is dry-cured with salt and aged for months.