Serrano Ham
The majority of Serrano Jamones are made from a landrace breed of white pigs or from commercial breeds such as Duroc or Berkshire are not to be confused with the often more expensive jamón ibérico, made from black Iberian pigs.
These aged hams were known as a delicacy even in the days of the Roman Empire. The protein is of high quality and after curing for 12-14 months the meat becomes a rich intense red colour.
The serrano leg is always bigger than the Ibérico as it always contains less fat due to the different diets of each pig breed. Unlike the Italian prosciutto which is cured cold, the Spanish Jamones (ibérico & serrano) are cured in a specially ventilated room that mimics the conditions of the traditional cellar.
Jamón serrano can be used in a charcuterie board, in a bocadillo (crunchy bread roll), salad, stews, croquettes, pasta, pizza just about wherever your culinary imagination can take you.
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Iberico Ham
- The finest is called jamón ibérico de bellota (acorn). This ham is from free-range pigs that roam oak forests (called dehesas) along the border between Spain and Portugal and eat only acorns during this last period
- The exercise and diet have a significant effect on the flavour of the meat; the ham is cured for 36 months. This grade is divided into black-label jamón 100% ibérico de bellota, produced from pure-bred Iberian pigs, and red-label jamón ibérico de bellota from free-range pigs that are not pure-bred.
- The next grade is called jamón ibérico cebo de campo. This ham is from pigs that are pastured and fed a combination of acorns and grain.
- The third type is called jamón ibérico de cebo, or simply, jamón ibérico it is cured for 24 months and is the most popular due to its cheaper prices and shorter curing time. This ham is from pigs that are fed only grain.