How to cure a ham

A recent trip to the store presented me with a beautiful selection of hams, recently brought in by a local pig farmer. As I picked out the one I wanted, the butcher said, “You realize that these hams have not been cured.” No, I did not. I asked for him to explain.He told me that most of the hams that you buy have already been both cured and cooked—so they’re ready to eat. But he was selling leg