A preparation used to coat a cured pork product before the final stage of cooking often includes a sweet, viscous substance produced by bees. This imparts flavor and contributes to a glossy, caramelized finish. One might, for example, create a mixture using the aforementioned natural sweetener, along with spices and other ingredients, to brush onto a cooked ham during its final baking time.
The inclusion of this golden nectar offers several advantages. It provides a natural sweetness that balances the saltiness of the ham, enhances the visual appeal through browning, and helps to retain moisture, preventing the meat from drying out. Historically, sweet glazes have been employed for centuries to preserve and improve the taste of meats, often utilizing locally available sweeteners.
