This method involves gently cooking pre-sliced, often smoked, portions of cured pork in a controlled, low-temperature environment for an extended period. Recipes employing this technique often incorporate flavorful glazes, sauces, or braising liquids to enhance the final product. A common application includes preparing a family-sized portion of pork for a weeknight meal using automated kitchen appliances.
Adopting this cooking approach yields several advantages. The low temperature ensures the meat remains moist and tender, preventing it from drying out, a frequent concern with other methods. The extended cooking time allows flavors from added ingredients to deeply penetrate the ham, resulting in a richer, more complex taste. Historically, slow cooking was a practical method for preparing tougher cuts of meat, but it has been adapted to various proteins for its flavor-enhancing qualities.
