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tasso ham.

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ALSO KNOWN AS

tasso

Recipes with tasso ham + Add to pantry

SERVING

CALORIES

155

PROTEIN

22.5g

CARBS

0.50g

FAT

6.5g

FIBER

NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g

Everything in this ingredient.

MACRONUTRIENTS

Calories155kcal—

Protein22.5g45%

Carbohydrates0.50g0%

Fiber0g0%

Sugar0g0%

Total fat6.5g8%

Saturated fat2.5g13%

Cholesterol60mg20%

Water65g—

MINERALS

Sodium1100mg48%

Potassium350mg7%

Calcium15mg1%

Iron1.2mg7%

Magnesium22mg5%

Phosphorus230mg18%

Zinc2.5mg23%

VITAMINS

Vitamin A0µg0%

Vitamin C0mg0%

Vitamin D0.70µg3%

Vitamin K1.0µg1%

Thiamin (B1)2.0mg167%

Riboflavin (B2)0.25mg19%

Niacin (B3)5.2mg33%

Vitamin B60.45mg26%

%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.

MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS

How much is what.

1 cup150g

1 tablespoon9g

1 oz28.4g

1 lb453.6g

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why eat it.

✓Excellent source of complete protein, which is vital for muscle building, tissue repair, and enzyme production.
✓Rich in B vitamins, particularly niacin (B3) and vitamin B12, which support energy metabolism and nervous system health.
✓Provides essential minerals like selenium, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage, and zinc, which is crucial for immune function.
✓Contains phosphorus, which is important for the formation of strong bones and teeth.

COOKING TIPS

In the kitchen.

1Use tasso as a potent seasoning meat rather than a main protein due to its intense smoky, spicy, and salty flavor. A little goes a long way.
2Dice and render the tasso in a dry pan over medium heat to release its flavorful fat before adding vegetables like onions, celery, and bell peppers for dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, or red beans and rice.
3Since tasso is already cured and smoked (cooked), it only needs to be heated through. Add it to dishes like pasta, grits, or egg scrambles near the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming tough.
4For a crispy texture, slice the tasso thinly and pan-fry until the edges are browned and crisp. Use as a garnish for soups or salads.

STORAGE

Keep it fresh.

Store unopened, vacuum-sealed tasso in the refrigerator (below 40°F or 4°C) for up to 3 weeks or until the expiration date.
Once opened, wrap the tasso tightly in plastic wrap or butcher paper and store in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
For long-term storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

What is tasso ham and how is it made?

Tasso ham is a spicy, smoked specialty of Cajun cuisine made from pork shoulder rather than the leg. It is cured with salt and sugar, heavily seasoned with a rub of cayenne pepper and garlic, and then hot-smoked to create an intense, concentrated flavor.

Is tasso ham healthy?

Tasso ham is a nutrient-dense protein source that is relatively lean, containing only 6.5g of fat per 100g. While it provides essential B vitamins and minerals, it is often high in sodium due to the curing process, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How much protein is in tasso ham?

Tasso ham is an excellent source of complete protein, providing approximately 22.5g per 100g serving. This high protein content is vital for muscle building, tissue repair, and the production of essential enzymes.

Is tasso ham keto-friendly?

Yes, tasso ham is highly keto-friendly and suitable for low-carb diets. It contains only 0.5g of carbohydrates per 100g, making it an ideal ingredient for those monitoring their sugar and starch intake.

Is tasso ham gluten-free?

In its traditional form, tasso ham is naturally gluten-free as it consists of pork and spices. However, always check the labels of commercially processed brands to ensure no gluten-containing additives or cross-contamination occurred during production.

What does tasso ham taste like?

Tasso ham has a very bold, smoky, and peppery flavor with a firm, slightly chewy texture. Because it is so heavily seasoned, it is typically used as a 'seasoning meat' to add depth and heat to dishes rather than being eaten as a main course.

How do you cook with tasso ham?

Tasso is best used diced or sliced in slow-cooked dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, or gravies. Sautéing the ham at the beginning of the cooking process helps release its smoky oils and spices, flavoring the entire dish.

What can I use as a substitute for tasso ham?

If you cannot find tasso, the best substitutes are smoked andouille sausage or a heavily spiced smoked ham. To replicate the specific heat of tasso, you may need to add extra cayenne pepper and garlic to your recipe.

How should I store tasso ham and how long does it last?

Store tasso ham in an airtight container or its original vacuum-sealed packaging in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 6 months; just ensure it is wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Is tasso ham halal or kosher?

No, tasso ham is not halal or kosher. It is traditionally made from pork shoulder, which is a prohibited meat in both Islamic and Jewish dietary laws.

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