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Bubbabob wrote:
> wrote:
>
>
>>I have been dying to make a ham but being Jewish, I never did it.
>>From what I have tasted, I think I'd like to start with a smoked ham
>>and I think the butt is the best portion. Please jump in and correct
>>me if I am wrong about anything.
>
>
> The butt is part of the front shoulder of a pig. It has too much fat and
> tough connective tissue to make a decent ham. It's perfect for BBQ, though.
> Ham is made from the ham of the pig, which is the upper portion of the hind
> leg. It's a much tenderer and leaner cut.
>

"Butt" is also the name for the big end of a ham when you buy just a
half a ham. (The small end is called the shank) The butt end has more
meat per pound, but the shank is cheaper and I think it tastes better.

Bob