[Bitsy]

As a Southerner you know that country ham keeps a long, long time and when vacuum pouched doesn't need refrigeration till you open the pack.

I am ashamed to say, I didn't know that. Country ham is pretty much done by dry smoke, right? And is sort of dehydrated in the process, correct? I can relate to the 10 lbs at a time jerky. I never could keep up with the demand. Now with beef prices so high Jerky is a real treat.

[outofsalt]

You have heard of grits, haven't you..? Just what kind of southerner are you?!
Country ham is cured with salts and sugar. It can be smoked but is not generally dehydrated. It’s yummy but quite salty and you'll want a bucket of tea to go with it!
You do know about tea?