Ham is pork from the hind leg, usually cured and sometimes smoked or cooked. Its flavor is savory and salty, with a texture that ranges from tender and moist to firm and delicately chewy, depending on how it is prepared. Around the world, ham is served in sandwiches, added to soups, pasta, and omelets, or enjoyed on its own as part of a tapas or charcuterie spread. Curing ham to preserve meat has a long history, and traditions such as Spanish jamón and Italian prosciutto remain important parts of regional food culture.