Rugao ham (
Chinese: 如皋火腿;
pinyin: Rúgāo Huǒtuǐ) is a
dry-curedham that originated in
Jiangsu province, China.[1][2][3] It dates to the
Qing dynasty, and was first prepared circa 1851.[1][2][4] Rugao ham is produced in a variety of flavors, colors and weights.[1] The local breed of Jiangquhai pigs are typically used for the ham.[2] In contemporary times, it is produced in
Rugao, Jiangsu province, which the ham is named after.[2][4][5] It is a well-known ham in China.[6]
Per the
Chinese calendar, Rugao ham is produced in the winter, whereby the
curing process begins between November and December, and also in spring, between January and February.[4]