How to taste Iberian Ham

How to taste Iberian Ham

If you have just bought an Iberian Ham, you may be wondering how to taste it. In today's post from Olalla Jamones we give you a series of tips on how to taste Iberian Ham. In this way, you will learn to appreciate all its nuances, becoming a true expert.

Choosing a good Iberian Ham

The first step to tasting Iberian Ham begins, even before tasting it. It is about choosing a good Iberian Ham.

To do so, you should know that there are several categories, such as:

1. Iberian Bellota Ham, from pigs raised in the pasture and fed with acorns.
2. Iberian Cebo de Campo Ham, from pigs raised in the countryside and fed on pasture and feed.
3. Iberian Cebo Ham, from pigs fed only on feed on farms.

Obviously, for a five-star tasting, at Olalla Jamones we recommend you start with an Iberian Bellota Ham.

Preparing and cutting the Iberian Ham

Once you have bought it, the next thing you should do is prepare and cut the Iberian Ham. The way you do it is essential for the tasting to be perfect.

Keep these tips in mind:

1. Select a suitable knife, a ham knife, that is long and flexible.
2. Also having a support will give you stability and more security when cutting.
3. Make thin and uniform cuts, so you can enjoy the texture and flavour in all its fullness.

Taking care of the presentation of the Iberian Ham

By taking care of the presentation of the Iberian Ham we do not only mean that it looks pretty. The presentation includes both the temperature and the plate, which are essential in the tasting.

Serve the ham at room temperature and place the slices neatly on a plate.

It's time to taste the ham

Once you've completed all these steps, it's time to taste the ham.

At Olalla Jamones we like to say that Iberian ham is a pleasure for all five senses, however, there are three that stand out, such as sight, smell and taste.

Sight is the first step in tasting Iberian ham. Look at its colour and texture, deep red with white streaks of fat.

Next, use your sense of smell. Inhale deeply to detect an intense and complex smell.

Finally, take the slice to your mouth and let it melt on your palate before chewing. This way, you'll notice the different nuances of flavour, from salty to notes of nuts and grass.

Pairing Iberian Ham

If you want to enhance the qualities of Iberian Ham even more, pair it with wine, bread and cheese. A good red wine along with a crusty bread with a little olive oil and a cheese can elevate the experience to heaven.

Finish with the conservation of the ham

Last but not least, finish with the conservation of the ham. If you want it to retain its quality after tasting, protect it. Cover the cut surface with the fat of the ham itself and store it in a cool, dry place.

Now that you know how to taste Iberian Ham, you are ready to live the experience. Take advantage of the Olalla Jamones Sales to buy Iberian Ham and do so at the best possible price.

Bon appetit!