Ham is pork from the hind leg of the pig that has been preserved by wet or dry curing, with or without smoking. The hind leg is often referred to as the "ham". Ham can be sold as whole cuts of meat or ones that have been mechanically formed. The most common types of ham are cured, smoked, and then air-dried, such as Serrano ham and prosciutto. Fresh hams are usually roasted, but they can be cut into steaks or cubed for stews and soups.
In summary, ham comes from the hind leg of the pig and can be sold as whole cuts of meat or ones that have been mechanically formed. It can be preserved by wet or dry curing, with or without smoking, and can be eaten as a sliced meat or used in various dishes.