How to eat jamon correctly: what is
To fully enjoy the taste of this expensive Spanish delicacy, you need to know how to eat jamon. It is rightfully considered the main gastronomic attraction of the Iberian Peninsula. Such pleasure is worth a lot, so it will be a shame not to feel the taste to the fullest.
What is a Spanish delicacy
For the Spaniards, the favorite dish is dry-cured ham. It is made from the back of pork. The raw ham is salted and then dried. It is not heat treated. The leg must be back, otherwise a completely different dish will come out. Its weight can reach 8 kg. About 3-4 kg is meat.
Learn how to eat jamon in the Spanish market
Depending on the breed of pig, the name of the final product is determined. It is of 2 types:
- Serrano is a breed with a white hoof. They don’t eat a balanced diet. The meat is lean with a minimum amount of fatty streaks. It is aged in the cellar for 7-12 months. The cost is directly related to the aging period;
- Iberico is made from black Iberian pigs, which are easily identified by their dark hoof. They are not kept in a stall, but raised in a pasture. Only acorns serve them as food. At the same time, farmers carefully monitor that the animal does not overeat. Such conditions of detention give the meat a special taste, which is reflected in the price.
When choosing a delicacy, carefully study the etiquette and brand. There you can find data on the breed of the animal, the degree of wilting, the duration of salting. A high-quality leg smells delicious, shines on the outside and has a thin coating of mold. But there should be no mucus and moisture on it.
How to use jamon correctly
The ham is cut into very thin slices. They can be eaten simply as a snack. Before that, it is better to warm up the slices so that the layers of fat melt. This will add juiciness to the meat.
Fruits and vegetables will help enhance the spicy dried flavor. Cut into small cubes:
- melon;
- pear;
- cucumber;
- lettuce leaves;
- a pineapple.
The Spaniards opt for light, refreshing fruits. Their subtle sweetness complements the salty ham perfectly. Catalans prefer to place thin slices on fresh crispy bread topped with sweet tomatoes and olive oil. The delicacy goes well with all types of cheese. It is added to salads and soups.
It is recommended to choose good wine as a drink. In the homeland of delicacies, give preference to local white or red dry wine.
Every gourmet should try ham in different variations. Its taste fully justifies the high cost.