Holy Ham-oly! Giant Eagle’s Whole Ham Prices are a Steal!

If you’re feeling a little blue about the unrelenting winter, the galloping pandemic, and your vanishing sanity, worry not. I’ve got some good news to turn that frown upside down! Giant Eagle’s whole ham prices hit rock bottom. No, you’re not dreaming. Pinch yourself, scream a little, or strut a victory dance. It’s high time to forget your troubles, put on your comfy pants, and head to Giant Eagle. I’m giddy with excitement, and I’m not even a meat person. Yet, you don’t want to miss this opportunity to get a savory hug in the form of a ham.

What’s the deal with Giant Eagle’s whole ham?

Before diving headlong into the succulent details, let’s talk turkey, um, ham. What makes a good ham, and what should you look for when buying one? According to industry experts, the four main factors that determine ham quality are:

1. Breed: The breed of the hog influences the meat’s texture, flavor, and fat content.
2. Feed: A hog’s feed can alter the fat quality, flavor, and color of the meat.
3. Cure: A ham’s cure process involves rubbing with salt and other spices, smoking, and aging. The cure method can influence the taste, color, saltiness, and tenderness of the meat.
4. Cooking: The cooking method can affect the texture, moisture, and flavor of the ham.

By and large, the best hams come from heritage hog breeds, such as Berkshire, Duroc, Tamworth, and Mangalitsa, which typically have more marbling, flavor, and tenderness than commercial breeds. A hog’s diet also plays a crucial role in shaping the meat. Hogs that eat a varied and balanced diet of grains, forage, and nuts produce more flavorful and nutritious meat than hogs fed with corn and soybeans. The cure method is also a key factor in ham quality. Some of the most popular ham styles include country ham, city ham, prosciutto, serrano ham, and speck, all of which have distinct flavors, textures, and curing techniques. The cooking method is likewise significant, as overcooking or undercooking the ham can ruin its taste and tenderness.

Now that we’re ham-savvy, let’s delve into why Giant Eagle’s whole ham offer is a steal.

How low can you go?

Ham prices fluctuate depending on various factors, such as supply and demand, season, quality, and marketing promotions. In general, hams are more popular during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and other holidays, and less in demand during the rest of the year. With the ongoing pandemic, however, people have been cooking and eating at home more, and hams have become a hot commodity. Consequently, some retailers have raised their ham prices to cash in on the trend.

Not Giant Eagle. This quirky supermarket knows how to cater to its loyal customers and attract new ones. That’s why it has launched a killer deal that’s hard to resist. For every $35 you spend at Giant Eagle, you get a 10-14 lb. whole ham for free. That’s right, FOR FREE. You don’t have to clip coupons, fight the crowds, or make special requests. You just need to shop as you normally do, and boom, a big, beautiful ham is yours for the taking.

Let’s put some perspective on that. A typical whole ham of that size can cost anywhere from $40 to $80, depending on the brand, cure, and quality. Some organic or artisanal hams can even reach $100 or more. By giving away a whole ham for every $35 purchase, Giant Eagle is offering a discount of more than 50%. That’s insane. You’d be lucky to get a ham sandwich for $35 in some places. Not to mention that a whole ham can feed a small army, make several meals, or last for weeks, especially if you freeze or store it correctly.

So, what’s the catch? None, really. You only need to keep in mind that the promotion is valid while supplies last and that you need to register for the offer in advance. Simply go to Giant Eagle’s website, register your advantage card, and download the offer. Then, go to any Giant Eagle store, shop for your desired items, and present your advantage card during checkout. The cashier will scan your card and give you your free ham, no questions asked.

What makes Giant Eagle’s whole ham worth trying?

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Free stuff is good, but is it really worth the hype? Isn’t all ham the same, after all? Absolutely not. As we discussed earlier, ham quality varies significantly depending on many factors. In fact, some hams are so bad, they’re not worth eating, let alone getting them for free. Hence, I’ve done some digging, tasting, and investigative journalism to find out what makes Giant Eagle’s whole ham an excellent choice, even if it weren’t free. Here are some reasons:

1. High-quality breed and feed

Giant Eagle sources its hams from trusted suppliers that prioritize quality over quantity. The hogs used for the whole hams are mostly Duroc, Tamworth, and Chester White breeds, which are known for their tender and flavorful meat. The hogs are also fed with a wholesome diet that consists of corn, soybean meal, barley, and wheat, as well as vitamins and minerals. That means the ham you get is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients such as protein, iron, and vitamin B12.

2. Expertly cured and smoked

Giant Eagle’s whole hams undergo a meticulous curing and smoking process that takes several weeks to achieve the perfect balance of tenderness, smokiness, and juiciness. The hams are first rubbed with a blend of salt, sugar, and spices, such as black pepper, cloves, and coriander. Then, they’re smoked for many hours over hickory wood, which imparts a robust and savory flavor to the meat. The result is a ham that’s not too salty, not too sweet, and not too bland, but just right.

3. Versatile and flavorful

One of the best things about a whole ham is that you can use it in many ways. You can slice it for sandwiches, dice it for omelets, shred it for salads, bake it with veggies, or mix it with pasta. Whole hams are also great for parties, picnics, and potlucks, as they can feed a crowd with little effort. Giant Eagle’s whole ham is also perfect for those who love bold and tangy flavors, as the ham’s smoke and salt elements complement both sweet and savory dishes.

4. Budget-friendly

I’ve already mentioned that Giant Eagle’s whole ham offer is unbeatable in terms of value. But even without the offer, the hams are reasonably priced compared to other retailers. A whole ham at Giant Eagle can cost you around $2.5 per pound, while the same ham in other stores can cost double or triple that amount. That’s why Giant Eagle’s whole ham is perfect for those on a budget, but who still want to indulge in high-quality meat.

How to make the most out of your Giant Eagle’s whole ham

Now that you’ve secured your Giant Eagle’s whole ham, what should you do with it? Here are some ideas to spark your culinary creativity:

1. Ham and cheese sandwich

Grilled cheese sandwiches are always a hit, but try this ham version for a tasty twist:

• Heat a skillet over medium heat.
• Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on one side of a slice of bread.
• Add 1-2 slices of Giant Eagle’s whole ham, 1-2 slices of cheddar cheese, and 1-2 slices of tomato on the bread.
• Top the sandwich with another slice of bread.
• Cook the sandwich in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

2. Ham and lentil soup

Make a hearty and healthy soup that’s perfect for cold nights:

• Soak 1 cup of lentils in water for 1 hour.
• Drain the lentils and set them aside.
• In a large pot, sauté 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until tender.
• Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, and the lentils to the pot.
• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
• Add 2 cups of diced Giant Eagle’s whole ham and 1 cup of chopped spinach to the soup.
• Cook the soup for another 5-10 minutes, or until the ham is heated through and the spinach wilts.
• Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Conclusion

It’s not every day that you get a free whole ham, let alone a delicious and high-quality one. Giant Eagle’s whole ham offer is a steal, a hook, a deal, a steal. You’ll save money, impress your family and friends, and make your taste buds sing. Go to your nearest Giant Eagle, grab a cart, fill it with your favorite groceries, and head to the checkout with a smile on your face. Don’t forget to thank Giant Eagle for making life a little brighter, a little tastier, and a little more extraordinary.

Table: Comparison of Ham Prices in Major Retailers (per pound)

References:

1. Kelly, M. (2021). “What makes a good ham?” https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-ham-recipes-4581679
2. USDA (2021). “Pork production and value: 2020 summary.” https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Todays_Reports/reports/ppvs0421.pdf
3. Giant Eagle (2021). “Whole ham giveaway.” https://www.gianteagle.com/wholehamgiveaway