If Your Ham Has a Rainbow Sheen, Here’s What It Means

You’ve just prepared a slice of ham and noticed a strange rainbow-like sheen on the surface. Is it safe to eat? Should you toss it out? Here’s the science behind this iridescent effect and what it means for your food.

Why Does Ham Have a Rainbow Sheen?

The rainbow-like appearance on ham is a result of light diffraction. This occurs when light waves interact with the meat’s natural muscle fibers, particularly the proteins.

Muscle Structure: Ham, like other meats, contains a specific arrangement of muscle fibers and proteins. When these are sliced thinly or cooked, the structure can refract light in a way that produces a prism effect, creating the rainbow colors.
Cured Meats: The curing process (involving salt, nitrates, or nitrites) can enhance this effect by preserving the meat’s natural structure and reflecting light more intensely.