For the last few years the Berg brand at Aldi has been bringing the gluten free goods. Their range of packaged deli meats are typically gluten free and in some states they even offer gluten free crumbed products. I haven’t found these in Victoria yet, heartily disappointing but will definitely review them when they cross my path. In addition to their permanent range Berg at Christmas each year also release Christmas glazed ham portions. Last year they had a traditional glazed ham and a maple glazed ham. However, this year I’ve only found the Maple Glazed ham. These are all priced per kg, so they will vary. You’ll pay $16.99 per kg.
Of course first up let’stalk about allergens. There are none of the majors present, however it may contain soy. Other ingredients if you have further issues include maize derivatives, mineral salts, maple and golden syrup as well as brown sugar and sweetener. The ham is of course ready to eat but you can heat it. The packet instructions suggest warming for 45 minutes in a 160 degree oven. You’ll notice a few claims on the front of the package. Of course, the gluten free label, good source of protein, no artificial colours or flavours and wood smoked. Smoked ham is one of my favourites it has a nice depth of flavour.
For years Christmas eve lunch – my family tradition – was hosted by my Nan. She passed away in 2017 and then her house was sold. Which left me to host my first Christmas last year while my dad (her carer) bought a new place. Dad has his new house but it doesn’t have the room for hosting, which means that the tradition has fallen to me. You’re probably wondering why the long story piece here? Well, I’d never pulled the string off of a ham before and this one is a little tricky. The string is well embedded which means that I did lose a little ham when I cut and removed it. This may be user error. However, I wanted to mention it just in case. Due to the glaze it also made a little bit of a mess so have that paper towel ready to wipe your hands.
You will get a light sweetness from the maple glaze as you eat. It is definitely that maple syrup flavour rather than a general sweetness. This is complements the lightly smoked ham. You’ll definitely have enough to serve the entire family. In fact, Brody and I had ham sandwiches prior to this article and I’ll still have enough for Christmas Eve Lunch. Do let me know if you’ve found the traditional glazed ham this year. So far Berg has released a ham portion every year for Christmas so I hope that this guide can help you next year as well if you have already finished Christmas prepping for this year. If you haven’t, head down to Aldi and pick yourself up a ham portion. For a quick and simple addition to Christmas lunch.
If you are looking for more Christmas reviews, especially more Christmas at Aldi. All you need to do is search Christmas in the search bar of follow any of these links.
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Until Next Time;
Ashlee; The Aussie Coeliac.
