Sunday, September 27, 2026

Question: Which Virginia food must be processed within its namesake town to be labeled “genuine” under state law?

Answer: Smithfield Ham.

To be labeled a “genuine Smithfield ham,” a ham must be salted, processed, treated, smoked, cured, and aged entirely within the corporate limits of Smithfield, Virginia.

State law also requires producers to use the long-cure, dry-salt method and age the ham for at least six months. A ham made just outside town might still be tasty, but Virginia law says it is not a genuine Smithfield ham.