Weekend Journal editor Jeffrey Grocott and reporter Elizabeth Bernstein and executive chef Michel Nichan provide their top choices for ordering country ham online or by catalogue:

The Genuine Smithfield Ham Shoppe: Rated "best overall," Smithfield's ham is dry, lean and pleasingly salty. Approximately $78 for 11 to 14 pounds.
757-357-1798
www.smithfieldhams.com

Father's Country Ham: Voted "best value," this country ham has no bone and little fat. A 7 to 8 pound ham is priced at $58.
www.fatherscountryhams.com

Colonel Newsom's Aged Country Ham: A close third. It was salty and well-marbled. 9 to 10 pounds for around $60.
270-365-2482
www.newsomscountryham.com

Did you know?

• Country hams that are cured and smoked can stay fresh for up to a year.