Ham it Up Baby

Most Americans have only experienced the world of ham through the ham lunch meat used in a ham sandwich or the nasty slimy canned ham eaten at Easter dinner. There is a whole new world of ham out there. From Italy to Spain, there are delicacies you can only dream of tasting. If you thought a high-end Procuttio de Parma was good, just wait until you taste real Spanish hams. 

First off, a quality Jamon Serrano is spectacular. But once you move up to a Jamon Iberico, there is no going back. From here, you are ruined if you ever have the chance to sample a Jamon Iberico de Bellota. This is the world's best ham. Nothing can even come close to the range of flavors a piece of this holds. It is utterly astounding that this is ham. These little piggies are free-range and let out to roam the oak forests to eat a diet consisting purely of acorns. The ham that comes from these lucky little residents of Jabugo, Spain is aged for three entire years. Hence, the dark purple color of the inside of the ham.

Do you want to buy a leg of this ham for home? $1400.oo is the price. Yep. Basically, $100 a pound. Try going for a smaller piece if you can find it. The online Spanish store, La Tienda has it. So does Hotpaella and La Espanola Meats.

Your world of ham will forever be changed. Ham will no longer be considered an inferior product or a depressing alternative to other meats. It will rise to a new pedestal that you grab for on special occasions and festivities. Open a nice oloroso sherry, grab a pice of Bellota and enjoy.