I’m getting hungry! Let’s talk about Spanish ham, or jamón, which is a staple of Spanish cuisine and a delicacy enjoyed around the world. There are many different types of jamón, each with its own distinct flavor and characteristics. Here are several types of Spanish ham that you should try:
General Information on Spanish Ham
Jamón is a type of cured ham that is made from the hind legs of pigs and is typically cured for several months to over a year. The curing process involves salting the meat and leaving it to air-dry in a cool, dry place.
There are several different types of Spanish ham, each with its own distinct flavor and characteristics. The most famous and expensive type is Jamón Ibérico, which is made from black Iberian pigs that are raised in the oak forests of western and southwestern Spain. Jamón Ibérico is known for its rich, nutty flavor and marbled texture.
Other types of Spanish ham include Jamón Serrano, which is made from white pigs and cured in the mountains of Spain, and Jamón de Bellota, which is a type of Jamón Ibérico made from pigs that are fed a diet of acorns.
Spanish ham is typically sliced thin and eaten on its own as a snack or appetizer, or used as an ingredient in dishes such as omelets, sandwiches, and pasta. It is also a common component of Spanish tapas, small plates of food served with drinks.
Spanish ham has a long history in Spain and has been enjoyed for centuries. It is an important part of Spanish culture and is enjoyed not only for its delicious flavor, but also as a symbol of tradition and national pride.
That said, let’s get into some of the different types of Spanish ham to try.
Types of Spanish Ham to Try
Jamón Ibérico
This type of ham comes from black Iberian pigs that are raised in the oak forests of western and southwestern Spain. Jamón Ibérico is known for its rich, nutty flavor and marbled texture. It can be very expensive. Here’s a video on this unique food:
Serrano
This one is made from white pigs and cured in the mountains of Spain. It has a milder flavor than Jamón Ibérico and is often less expensive. I like it because it’s not as salty as something like prosciutto.
Jamón de Bellota
Ugh, delicious! This is a type of Jamón Ibérico that is made from pigs that are fed a diet of acorns. The acorns give the ham its rich, nutty flavor and marbled texture.
Jamón de Jabugo
Jabugo ham comes from the Jabugo region of Spain and is made from free-range Iberian pigs. It is known for its intense flavor and aromatic scent.
Guijuelo
This one’s from the Guijuelo region of Spain and is made from white pigs. It has a slightly sweeter flavor than Jamón Serrano.
Jamón de Teruel
It comes from the Teruel region and is made from white pigs. It has a distinctive flavor that is slightly sweet and slightly salty.
Jamón de Trévelez
This type of ham comes from the Trévelez region and is made from white pigs. It is cured at high altitudes, giving it a unique flavor and texture.
Jamón de Paterna
This one’s from the Paterna region and is made from white pigs. It has a slightly sweet and slightly salty flavor.
Los Pedroches
This type of ham comes from the Los Pedroches region of Spain and is made from white pigs. Like Paterna, it has a slightly sweet and slightly salty flavor.
Jamón de Huelva
This one comes from white pigs in Huelva. Like others, it has a slightly sweet and slightly salty flavor.
Summing It Up
Each of these types of Spanish ham has its own unique flavor and characteristics, and all are worth trying. I find that Serrano is fairly easy to find in the US, but others may require a visit to specialty stores or Spain itself!
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