Westco Foods’ Ham and Turkey Extravaganza!

‘Tis the season to indulge, and at Westco Foods, we’re bringing you a feast-worthy range that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance!  This month, we’re turning up the heat in the kitchen with a sizzling selection of premium hams and succulent turkeys.  Get ready to elevate your holiday spread!

HAM-tastic Deals: Unwrap the Flavour!

Our hams are not just any hams – they’re showstoppers!  Juicy, flavourful, and oh-so-tender, Westco Foods’ hams are the secret ingredient to a holiday meal that will leave your guests begging for seconds.  Whether you’re a fan of classic glazed hams or adventurous flavours like honey Dijon, we’ve got the perfect ham for every taste bud.  Plus, with our unbeatable prices, you can stock up for all your festive gatherings without a second thought.

Turkey Triumph: Gobble, Gobble, Gone!

If your holiday table isn’t complete without a golden, crispy-skinned turkey, then you’re in for a treat.  Our premium turkeys are the epitome of perfection – plump, juicy, and ready to take centre stage at your holiday feast.  From whole turkeys to turkey breasts, we’ve got the options to suit your celebration, big or small. 

PURCHASE YOUR TURKEYS AND HAMS HERE!

Why Choose Westco Foods?

• Quality You Can Taste: We pride ourselves in offering only the finest, top-tier meats that meet our rigorous standards.
• Affordability At It’s Best: Celebrate without the stress!  Our special discounts make it easy to enjoy a gourmet holiday spread on a budget.
• Convenience Matters: Skip the lines and shop online.  With Westco Foods, your holiday essentials are just a click away.

A Guide To Understanding Food Labels: Making Informed Choices

In today’s fast-paced world, making informed food choices is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The first step towards achieving this is deciphering food labels. Understanding food labels empowers you to identify the nutritional content, ingredients, and potential allergens in the products you buy. In this guide, we’ll explore how to decode food labels, helping you make informed decisions and prioritize your well-being.

The Nutrition Facts Panel

The Nutrition Facts Panel is one of the most critical components of a food label. Located on the back or side of most packaged foods, this panel provides essential information about the product’s nutritional content per serving. Pay close attention to the following elements:

Serving Size: This indicates the recommended serving size for the product, which allows you to understand the nutritional values accurately.

Calories: The number of calories per serving helps you manage your daily intake.

Nutrients: Look for information on fats, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fibre, sugars, and protein. It is essential to be mindful of your intake of these nutrients.

Vitamins and Minerals: Some labels include information on vitamins and minerals, which can be beneficial for assessing your daily intake.

Ingredient List

The ingredient list is located just below the Nutrition Facts Panel and provides a breakdown of all the components in the product, listed in descending order by weight. Keep in mind the following:

Read Carefully: Be on the lookout for added sugars, unhealthy fats, artificial additives, and high levels of sodium.

Allergens: The ingredient list will highlight common allergens such as milk, eggs, nuts, wheat, and soy. This is crucial for individuals with food allergies.

Health Claims and Buzzwords

Food labels often display various health claims and buzzwords like “natural,” “organic,” and “low-fat.” It’s essential to understand what these terms mean:

Organic: Foods labelled as “organic” are grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Look for the official USDA Organic seal.

Natural: The FDA’s definition of “natural” is vague, and products may contain artificial ingredients despite the label. Rely on the ingredient list for a clear picture.

Low-fat, Low-sugar, etc.: These claims may sound promising, but always verify the actual numbers on the Nutrition Facts Panel to ensure the product aligns with your dietary needs.

Understanding Food Additives

Food additives are substances added to food during processing to enhance flavour, texture, or appearance. Some additives are safe, while others may cause adverse reactions in certain individuals. Common additives include preservatives, artificial colours, and flavours. Familiarise yourself with the different types of additives and their potential effects.

The ‘Best Before’ Date

Every packaged food item comes with a “best before” or “use by” date. This date indicates the period during which the product is at its best quality. Consuming foods past this date might not be harmful, but the quality and taste may have degraded.

Conclusion

Understanding food labels is an essential skill that enables you to make informed choices about the food you consume. By paying attention to the Nutrition Facts Panel, ingredient list, health claims, and food additives, you can take charge of your health and well-being. As you become more familiar with food labels, you’ll find it easier to select products that align with your dietary preferences and nutritional needs. By prioritising your health, you can embark on a journey of conscious eating and overall well-being.

The Ultimate Ham Recipe For Your Christmas Dinner

All hams and mustard can be bought at Westco Foods.

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves (or how much you like.)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (trust us, it’s worth it!)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Whole cloves for garnish (optional)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
• 1 can of pineapple rings (Trini style)
• 1 can of pineapple juice (optional)

Instructions

Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

Place the ham in a large roasting pan, and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Score The Ham

Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, creating 1-inch squares.

Prepare The Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, mustard, whole-grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground closes, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.

Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is well combined. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove it from the heat.

Glaze The Ham

Brush a generous amount of the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring it gets into the scored lines. Also, put a few tablespoons of pineapple juice in the pan to intensify the flavour.

Bake

Tent the ham with foil to prevent excessive browning, and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Glaze Again

Every 30 minutes, baste the ham with the pan juices and apply more glaze. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes to allow the ham to develop a beautiful golden colour.

Check For Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). If not, continue baking, checking every 15 minutes.

Garnish & Rest

Optional: insert whole cloves into the scored intersections for added flavour and a festive look. Also, place pineapple rings to your liking, no one is judging.

Once done, remove the ham from the oven, tent it with foil, and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.

Serve & Enjoy

Carve the ham into slices, drizzle with any remaining glaze, and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired.

Serve this honey-glazed ham as the centrepiece of your feast and savour the delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours this season!