Jamon from Spain

Spain is a country with cultural diversity. Its rich culture and art is famous worldwide. Every place has its own culture depending on location, climate, history, people and various other factors.

Wherever you go in Spain, you will find something exciting and interesting. Same applies for the food culture in Spain. Spanish history and culture are reflected in the wide range of Spanish delicacies.

A large part of Spanish cuisine is influenced by sea food as a major part of the country is surrounded by sea. Spain has been ruled by Jewish and Moors for many years. You can find influence of these cultures in their food habits.

Spanish people love soups. Soups like chilled tomato soup pr gazpacho, garlic soup or sopa de ajo and many others are part of their daily food. There are some basic ingredients which are used to prepare Spanish foods like tomatoes, potatoes, beans, chick peas, pepper etc. One of the staples of Spanish food is Spanish Jamon.

Spanish ham is dry cured with sea salt for long hours. One of the healthiest product in Spain, it is extremely rich in color, flavor and aroma. Standard production of ham is regulated by Protected Designation of Origin.

Culture of Spain changes with change in location, climate, history and many other factors. Spanish people take great pride of their ham and its numerous varieties are available all over in Spain. 40 millions hams are processed all over Spain in one year. Generally there are two types of ham popular in Spain – jamon iberico and jamon Serrano.

Jamon Serrano is a flavorful ham which is prepared by curing the ham in country air which makes it rich in deep flavor and aroma. Being cured for long hours, reduces the caloric content of jamons. Not only in special occasions but jamon Serrano is like a part of people’s daily life in Spain. Almost every bar, restaurants and café in Spain have their own specialty of hams.

You can find long rows of hams hanging from ceiling of the major food stores. Cheese and olives are served along with paper thin slices of jamon. it can also be served along with your favorite Spanish recipes. Jamon iberico falls under the category of expensive jamons. It is made from the meat of pig called iberico pigs. These pigs are found only in Spain.

Jamon iberica are found in three different types and the classification is made on the basis of food pigs were served. The best is Jamon Iberico de Bellota made from Iberian pigs fed on acorns, next is Jamon Iberico de Recebo made from pig fed on compounds and acorns and the last is Jamon Iberico de Campo fed made from compound fed Iberian pigs with Pata Negra.

These jamons are served in paper thin slices on a plate which is warmed up to 75 degrees. Thus you can see pig fat melting in your plate. 5% of the Spanish ham production consists of Jamon Iberica. The secret to Spanish jamon lies in its curing and recreating the effect of the traditional techniques.

Spanish hams are produced over a long period of time, throughout which they are strung with sea salt to experience the changing temperatures.

Slices serve the purpose of quick serve while whole hams are great for parties. However using Spanish hams in your home will add Spanish flavor to your food.