Rare Fare: Smoked Watermelon ‘Ham’ Is Bloody Good

Even Vegans Can Pig Out

Rare Fare: Smoked Watermelon ‘Ham’ Is Bloody Good

Making do with what one has on hand is an acquired talent for Will Horowitz, and that goes for making a watermelon into a ham. Such an alchemic transformation isn’t achieved easily, mind you. Ordering it requires more than a little patience and some judicious advance planning.

Rare Fare: Smoked Watermelon ‘Ham’ Is Bloody Good

In a nutshell (not to reveal any of the chef’s trade secrets), the watermelon is removed of its rind and marinated for four days in a custom brine containing wood ash and selected herbs & spices. It’s then gently smoked for eight hours while roasting in its own juices.

Rare Fare: Smoked Watermelon ‘Ham’ Is Bloody Good

After all this, what does a Watermelon Ham taste like? You could spend the $75 to find out for yourself, up close and personal, or you could take the word(s) of the Brunch Boys who state “it’s salty, smoky and sweet; confusing, but delicious. By all accounts it tastes nothing like meat or fresh watermelon.” Well, that was helpful – thanks a melon er, a million, guys.