Smithfield

When you hear the word Smithfield, what is the first thing that pops into your head?

Smithfield ham? Smithfield Virginia?

Well, if you said either, you would be right.

I had the amazing oppurtunity to spend a few days in Smithfield, Virginia learning alllll about Smithfield Products.

I was joined by two very awesome people, Michelle Ragussis (from the Next Food Newwork Star) and Simon Majumdar (also from The Food Network, Iron Chef judge).

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We stayed at The SmithField Inn, which was a treat in-itself because Mr. Washington Stayed there…George Washington, yeah, our first President. It was built in 1752. That’s old.

You know what else was amazing about the town of Smithfield?

It smelled like ham. Like real ham cooking.

Delicious.

A Ham cannot be called a “Smithfield Ham” unless it is processed in Smithfield Virginia.

The actual company is rich with history, you can read about it here.

Bet you have never seen the worlds oldest ham…huh?

Well, here ya go.

It’s the real deal.

Oh and the oldest peanut too..from the year 1890

Everyone at SmithField was amazing, from their Executives, to the butchers to the men who were hanging hams the old fashion way, by walking on old wooden planks in the smokehouses.

Ohhhh the new products..how does Pecan Praline or Caramel Apple Spiral Sliced Ham sound???
Ahhhhh-mazing.

Oh and Simon looks mean, doesn’t he?

He’s not.

Michelle and I going into the Smithfield Innovation Center.

Dont look at the below photo if your squeamish.

A whole pig, we got to watch the butcher cut. It was very interesting.

They all exuded pride in their jobs which is rare these days.

I mean look, even their cuff links were pigs!

Two words that come to mind with everyone we encountered who is associated with Smithfield….

Southern Hospitality.

They made me want to move there and work for Smithfield. I swear.

They whisked us off to their farm, Aberdeen Farm, a beautiful “farm” complete with a landing strip for the Executive planes. It’s acres and acres of beautiful land right on the James River.

Maynard, Aberdeens main man, smoked a whole pig for us.

We didn’t use our manners as we ate straight from the smoker.

Shame.

 

Thank you to Hunter PR for bringing us all together for a fun and educational experience.

And to all of you History Buffs out there…Smithfield Virginia has a deep historical story. You can read about it here.