Food and Drink

The Ultimate Iberian Ham Guide

The Ultimate Iberian Ham Guide · How to select the right Jamón Ibérico

When it comes to the world famous "Jamón Ibérico de Bellota”, suddenly even non-foodies start sniffing its exquisite aroma, cherishing its beautiful marbling and letting it gently melt on their tongue… What an experience and what a pleasure!! So no, not all cold cuts are the same.

The ham is actually that rooted into Spanish culture, that even vegetarians might occasionally give into one slice or another. And difficult it is to avoid in our cuisine, since it adds so much flavour to any dish you might think of: on top of an fried egg and potato, with some fresh artichokes or porra soup. Delicious!

But the best way to discover and enjoy all of its unique und highly appreciated features, is to simply eat it without anything- no bread, no nothing. Paired with a good wine, of course.

So that’s why we want to show you in this "Ultimate Iberian Ham Guide” what is important to know about our ham and what you need to look for to get the real deal.

The first thing to bear in mind is that iberico ham is not serrano ham. Apart from the obvious difference in price, the former is a unique breed from the iberian peninsula while the latter can be non-Iberico pig breed.  The guys from jamonprive have a good article  explaining the main differences. Check  out this great serrano ham they sell if you’re interested in buying one.

Ok, let’s continue…

When selecting a ham, there are two main aspects you need to take into account: the breed and the diet.

IBERIAN BREED

The breed our prized ham comes from is the "ibérico” (Iberian) pork. It’s a black pig that is a mix between our wild boar and the pigs the Phoenicians brought to the peninsula thousands of years ago. Nevertheless, concerning the ham, the percentage of this breed can vary: so you can find 100% Iberian hams (both parents were Iberian; pure-bred), but as well 75% or 50% when they were crossed with other pigs like the Duroc.

IBERIAN PIG DIET

The diet on the other side can be divided into three groups:

•Bellota (100% acorn fed)

•Cebo de Campo (some acorns, resources of the pasture, grain and feed)

•Cebo (only commercial feed).

The bellota ham is of the highest quality, since the pigs roam in pasture and oak groves ("dehesa”) to feed naturally on acorns, grass, herbs and aromatic plants, until the slaughtering time approaches.

At that point, the diet may be strictly limited to acorns, the pig’s delicacy par excellence and key to its flavour: healthy and natural food for the pig, which adds sweetness to its meat; and the exercise of looking for those acorns, moving around the "dehesa”, creating like this its beautiful marbling.

LABEL

In case that explanation is too confusing, in 2014 an official labelling system by colour (RD 4/2014, 10th of January) was implemented that helps you to spot right away if the ham is Iberian or not, up to which percentage and the kind of food it received. It’s the following:

•Black, 100% Iberian and acorn fed. The very best "Pata Negra”.

•Red, at least 50% Iberian, acorn fed.

•Green, at least 50% Iberian, "cebo de campo” (resources of the pasture and some acorns).

•White, at least 50% Iberian, "cebo” (feed).

Iberian Ham Official Labels© http://www.mapama.gob.es

The elaboration of the ham itself is quite simple: all you need is salt, air and time, controlling well the temperature and humidity throughout the process. The curing of the ham then takes at least 14 months, although some producers cure them for up to 36 months. These jamones are much darker, richer and almost linger on your palate afterwards.

But apart from its incredible taste, we haven’t told you yet the best news: the Iberian ham is actually good for your health! It is rich in proteins, calcium and phosphorus, containing as well Vitamin B1 and B2 and iron. But above all, the acorn fed pigs have a higher proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids which actually help to reduce cholesterol! ¡Salud to that!

And since we cannot top this news, we would just like to give you some last recommendations:

1.The iberico, acorn fed ham-signs of quality and exquisiteness are the intramuscular fat and small white dots. They are just the consequence of a natural curing process, traditional and artisanal. Because that is a fact, iberico hams are much fattier than serrano hams, but this is where the power and flavour comes from. So, if you buy an iberico ham don’t be scared if you see an outer layer of fat under the skin, before getting to the meat.

2.Use the right tools. A long flexible knife for cutting thin slices of ham and a good ham holder to hold the ham securely while you cutting. 

3.There’s a big difference between the back leg of the pig (what we call Jamón ibérico) and the shoulder (known as paleta ibérica). First of all, the back leg or ham is larger and weighs normally between 7 and 8,5 kg while the shoulder weighs 4-5,5 kg. The ham has less intermuscular fat, that’s why many choose a paleta over a jamón. The ham is less boney and has more meat. Also, the curing process is longer due to its larger size and therefore, the price is higher.

Iberico Ham Grass-fed 7 – 7.5 Kg

Iberico Ham Acorn-fed Shoulder. Paleta Ibérica

Iberian acorn fed intramuscular fat

There is just left to say that it is a very special product, behind which stand many families, lots of time, care and hard work – from raising the pigs in liberty, letting them live and eat as natural as possible, to the person who finally cuts the finished product with lots of love and dedication.

So when you enjoy it, take your time as well. Celebrate it. It’s definitely worth it.

If you’re in Malaga, join our Taste of Malaga Tapas Tour that includes at one of the stops (a specialty store) an Iberian ham tasting, where you will learn how to distinguish 3 different types of "Jamón”, including the acorn fed Iberian ham.

Ham Tasting on the Taste of Malaga Tapa

 Courtesy of Malaga Gastronomia y Desarrollo S.L. 

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Why would you want to visit or live in Spain

There’s sea and sun to entice
you……..and all that wonderful wine too. In fact, 15% of the world’s vineyards
are in Spain – spread across all of Spain’s autonomous regions. Though the
biggest surface area of vineyards is in Castilla-La Mancha, La Rioja boasts the
greatest density of planting.

At February 2014, Spain was the
world’s third largest exporter of wine, behind France and Italy, and the UK and
Germany were the top customers. (Spain thanks all you lady and gentlemen
inebriates in the UK). Since Spain produces a lot of sherry and brandy, some
61% of its vineyards grow white grapes. Despite this, thank goodness, the
majority of wine production concerns red wine.

The main quality wine regions of
Spain are called denominaciones de origen (similar to appellations in France).
Particular laws dictate the quality of wine they produce. European Commission
regulations require that Spanish wines are placed in a series of
categories/sub-categories.

Vino de Pago

These are wine regions that claim
the very highest standard within precise geographical rules, often concerning
single individual estates with an international reputation. At present there
are just 11 regions with this status – 8 in Castilla-La Mancha and 3 in
Navarre.

Denominación de Origen Calificada

These are regions with a
substantiated record of undeviating quality. Right now, there are only 2 wine
regions with this status – Rioja and Priorat.

Denominación de Origen

Currently there are 66 wine regions
with this status – regarded as pre-eminent, high quality wine producing areas

Vino de Calidad con Indicación
Geográfica

There are only 2 regions at present
– a category designed for regions starting to climb the quality ladder.

Vino de La Tierra

These are wines that have no EU
recognition, Even so, there are currently 46 Spanish regions producing them.
They are allowed to bear a regional name on the label. In 2006, a new Vino de
La Tierra “super region” was created and named Viñedos de España, with permission
to blend wines from 11 different Spanish regions. However, this has not yet
received EU ratification and is facing legal challenge by the regional
governments of La Rioja, Castile and León.

The grapes used are bulk-grown and drawn
from a wide variety of regions. As a consequence, there can be no vintage or
area designations on the label, apart from “Produce of Spain”. Production of
this low-grade wine is falling year by year.

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Who is the world’s largest exporter of strawberries

Who is the world’s largest exporter
of strawberries? Why, it’s Spain, of course. Some 285 thousand tons of fresh
fruit leave these shores annually, bound for European countries and the rest of
the world. Some 90% of this production is grown around Huelva, a city in
south western Spain, in the autonomous region of Andalusia.

People have lived in the area since
3000BC and Huelva claim’s to host Spain’s oldest football club – Recreativo de
Huelva, though it cannot be that old.

The strawberry industry is said to
generate in excess of 500000 thousand euros in revenue for the country, and
continuing strawberry success despite difficult economic times, has forced many
Spaniards to return to strawberry picking for their income. However, they face
stiff job competition from low paid immigrant pickers. Last year some 65000
women from eastern Europe and north Africa were hired. All pickers need to
beware though, because Japan has developed a strawberry picking robot. Its
special cameras detect the colour of ripe fruit, and pick accordingly.

There is a benefit for the women of
Huelva though. Apparently the divorce rate climbs at the end of the picking
season, when many of their men have become infatuated with attractive immigrant
pickers. The men will surely not be as enchanted with the robotic pickers of
the future.

So, which countries are the biggest
strawberry lovers? Well France is certainly well up the list. It takes around
75000 tons of fresh Spanish strawberries annually. Germany tops the list,
buying some 90000 tons each year.

In recent years, production has
increased by 18% annually, and this has encouraged Spain to look around for new
markets. A toe hold has been established in Asia, but business levels remain
relatively small with exports totaling just 6 tons last year. It’s a start
anyway. It’s a similar story with Russia and the Eastern Bloc countries. They
are starting to show interest in fresh Spanish strawberries, and undoubtedly
sales with gradually blossom there too.

Why are strawberries so popular?
First they taste truly wonderful, and they signal that summer’s on the way.
Then, they are very good for your body. Just one handful of strawberries
(around 9 or 10) provide less than 30 calories; 0.1g fat and no cholesterol;
less than 10g carbohydrates; oodles of vitamin C; 20% of the daily recommended
intake of folic acid; lots and lots of fibre; along with high antioxidant
levels. 

A highlight of a trip to the local
market is to see stallholders set out their strawberry stocks, plied high on
plastic trays. Then with a small plastic spade, they fill a bag with the
quantity of fruit that you want to buy. Driving home with the strawberry smell
impregnating the car is the highlight of the morning, giving those taste buds
an intense work out.

If you have not read our blog
regarding Spanish Cherries this is also worth a read! Spanish
Cherries

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Spanish Cherries

Spain is the world’s 7th largest producer of cherries, and is the second largest producer in Europe. Some 60% of Spain’s cherry crop is exported with Germany and the UK taking a large proportion.

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Eating Out in the Moraira area

People are always asking for my
restaurant recommendations, and that’s very difficult advice to give since
there are so many options available. To my mind, it all depends on the purpose
of the restaurant visit. Is it merely to satisfy hunger without changing into
posh garb. or is it a business lunch. Perhaps it’s to relax with friends and chat while eating good food in a
pleasant atmosphere Equally, if the visit is to celebrate some special
occasion, then that will be a factor in the restaurant decision too. You’ll
want somewhere with a buzz.

Relaxing with friends and/or
celebrating are surely the most pleasant eating occasions, so here are some
location suggestions (naturally they are high on my favourites list too)

Ca Pepe

The restaurant is located
in Calle Haya, just outside of the main Moraira town, but that provides the
bonus of easy parking, even in high season. Ca Pepe is family owned and run,
and their success is due to the strategy of using seasonal local produce, and
to the care they take to ensure the high standards they set are met by all
staff. Just look at the referrals they are able to present on their website.
The menu del dia here is priced at 16.95 euros and includes a ½ bottle of wine

D’Gust

The position of the
restaurant is ideal – in the corner of Plaza La Sort, in Moraira town. You can
eat outside, or at one of the elegant internal dining tables. Either way, the
food is presented in an artistic manner that makes the mouth water. The menu
del dia is priced at 15 euros and on my last visit, the starter of salmon and
the sea bass main course were superb.

El Caserio

This is on the main road
out of Moraira, towards Teulada/Benitachell. The style of cuisine is best
described as International/Spanish, but whatever the label that most accurately
fits, everything is presented in a stylish fashion that adds to the pleasure of
the meal. An evening set menu is offered at 21.50 euros, but that provides you
with a choice of starter, main course and dessert, and they surprise you with a
couple of extra tidbits during the meal. If I say more there’ll be no surprises
for you, so no more clues. A whole host of a la carte options are available
too, but whatever you choose we’re certain you’ll be licking your lips all the
way through the evening.

La Masena

This is a beautifully
converted, but still rustic, finca – on the outskirts of Javea. It’s actually
on the Carretera Benitachell (the road running towards Javea from Benitachell).
It’s open every day, except Tuesday, from 12.30 to 1600 hours and from 19.30 to
2300 hours. You can eat inside the stylish air conditioned dining room, with
its beams and chandeliers, or you may decide to dine "al fresco” on the
relaxing outside terrace. There is no doubt that this is a venue to celebrate a
special occasion, and the house specialities endorse this view; Carpaccio of
pear confit with shavings of foie gras; marinated quail salad with mango;
scallops "au gratin” and suckling pig with oranges and fried bananas – these
will give you some idea about the gorgeous food they serve. The a la carte menu
is not cheap, but if you go for the menu del dia at lunchtime, the cost is 17
euros per head, and there is no reduction in quality. Indeed, I visited today
and chicken cordon bleu and beef stroganoff were menu del dia possibilities and
both were divine

Options

Again, this is a town
centre location. The restaurant has a host of highly complimentary  reviews on the Internet, comments confirmed
by my own experience. There is no menu del dia on offer, but  you can choose 2 courses from a set menu for
20 euros and for an extra 5 euros you can enjoy an additional course

Rodolfo

This is a genuine Italian
restaurant, and although it’s a Moraira town centre location there’s a large
free car park to the rear. All food is cooked and prepared under the
supervision/instruction of the half Italian/German owner, Rodolfo. The pasta in
particular is made to order and tastes fabulous – not surprising since he is a
Member of the Federation of Italian Professional Chefs. He says his aim each
day is to treat customers to the delights of Italian cuisine, with the subtle
combination of flavours, colours and aromas. There is no doubt he succeeds.

Vall de Cavall

Located just off the
Teulada road outside of Gata de Gorgos – food aside, the setting of the dining
area is wonderful. You look across open countyside and dine beneath the gaze of
the elephant shaped mountain called Montgo. The menu del dia will cost 17.50
euros per person and all the tasty courses will be beautifully presented, by
friendly and enthusiastic staff.

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dining out in moraira

It’s fair to say that Moraira isn’t the place to experience much authentic Spanish cuisine. Rather, the food
available here is best described as "international”

The exception to that statement can
be found on a visit to Spanish bars in the Moraira village. There you will come
face to face with "tapas”. These are hot or cold snacks, served as bite-sized
portions – and a selection of them will make a very pleasant and filling lunch.

On display, you’ll find such
attractions as aceitunas (olives,
often with an anchovy or red pepper filling). Additionally you’re likely to seebacalao (salted cod loin, very thinly
sliced) and banderillas (olives, baby
onions, baby cucumbers, chillies and pieces of pepper, all pickled in vinegar
and skewered together). It’s likely there’ll also be calamares (rings of battered squid) or albondigas (spicy meat balls) awaiting you. 

If, on the other hand, you prefer
something more formal, then there are hundreds of restaurants to choose from.
These range from those aiming for the custom of holidaymakers and ex-patriot
residents (at 10/15 euros per head) to those specialising in celebrations of
special occasions (at prices from 25 to 50 euros per person). This latter price
may seem high, and it is, but for your money you are given first class service
and top quality food and wine, all beautifully presented.

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Trip To Galicia

Mo & Ali Segovia

Ant & Sal in Segovia

Our first stop was Segovia, north of Madrid – a beautiful city with a stunning cathedral and Roman aquaduct.

Segovia Cathedral

The walled city is perched on a rock rising out of the surrounding Castillian plains, and is a maze of narrow streets dotted with Roman monuments and noble mansions.

Mo & Ant Segovia

We stayed one night in a converted monastery within walking distance of the old town.

Wow Beef Rib En Route

Then on to A Pobra de Trives, near Ourense in rural Galicia, after an interesting drive north west through spectacular scenery. No postcards here (well no shops, actually), so just a couple of snapshots of the hotel, which was a luxuriously converted old manor house on a farm, set in beautiful lush pastures, woodland and lakes.

Converted Old Manor

Manor Views

Very green with lots of livestock, the cows and goats with bells so the herdsman can find them to bring them home. So peaceful, and no English spoken – popular area for walking holidays, but few foreign tourists come here so we were something of a curiosity!

Manor Gardens!

Space ship!

Our next stop was Vigo

Escudos Hotel

A busy commercial port on the south coast of Galicia (not far from the border with Portugal).
The city itself was busy and a bit touristy as many cruise liners stop here. But our hotel was a delightful, peaceful haven overlooking the estuary, another lovely old building with gardens down to the beach and all mod cons – we got a free upgrade to a huge suite overlooking the estuary.

Escudos View

Escudos Gardens

There are lots of traditional fishing villages in the many inlets, and summer resorts popular with Spanish holidaymakers. And fantastic seafood restaurants – every conceivable type of shellfish is caught or farmed off this coast.

Seafood Lunch

From Vigo, we visited Santiago de Compostella.
The buildings, especially the cathedral, were spectacularly ornate though rather gloomy.

Not difficult to imagine the throngs of pilgrims there in the Middle Ages, and what an awesome sight it must have been for them. We didn´t get to pay our respects at St James´s reliquary as the queue was several hours long.

Then on to La Coruña for 2 nights – this is where the Armada set sail from and the site of many historic sea battles and sieges. Another busy port on a rocky islet linked to mainland by a narrow strip of sand. Two sleepless nights in a beachfront hotel in sweltering heat – the only bad hotel choice I had made when I booked them all on the internet. The “English weather” we had been promised did not materialise, it was sunny every day and only a few drops of rain during the whole trip. More spectacular coastline, maritime museum and aquarium. The Costa del Muerte (coast of death) is here, very rugged coastline where many ships foundered on the rocks, and Cape Finisterre (heard of in the shipping forecast, always wondered where it was!). Finis Terra in Spanish, means “the end of the world”, which of course it was until Christopher Columbus came back. We celerbrated Mo’s birthday in the famous El Coral seafood restaurant.

Mo’s Birthday Bash at El Coral

From La Coruña we drove into the Picos de Europa, a spectacular mountain range in the province of Asturias, only 18 miles from the sea. A wonderful drive through deep gorges cut by gushing mountain rivers. It was a Sunday, and the area was busy with Spanish holidaymakers and day-trippers, every little town had canoes, bikes or horses for hire and there were hundreds of families enjoying a day out on the river and picnicking under the trees. We stayed overnight in Covadonga, a small village in the mountains with another spectacular church, huge monastery and convent.

Church close up

Another pilgrimage site, to a shrine carved out in the rocks to the Virgin of the Battlefield.

Covadonga Shrine

Covadonga Cave

Woodlands

Church in Covadonga

The legendary battle of Covadonga (not heard of it? Shame on you ….. neither had we!) took place here in 722, when Don Pelayo defeated the Moors and heralded the start of the Spanish Reconquest.

Mo & Ant Covadonga

Next stop was near to El Burgo in Castilla-Leon. Lots of old fortified towns and villages and lofty castles en-route, this being the oldest kingdom in Spain.

Rope Bridge En Route to Meseta

Then on through the “Meseta” – the vast central plains with acres and acres of arable farms, but strangely empty of people. We stayed in a delightful former convent in a quaint walled town where the locals looked at us as if we´d just landed from another planet!

On through more meseta to another walled town at Mora de Rubielos, near to Teruel. A beautiful small town with mediaeval origins, immaculately cared for. Exploring the maze of narrow streets revealed beautiful historic town houses with balconies hung with bright geraniums.

Sally and I walked the stations of the cross to the shrine at the top of the fortified hill with a lovely view of the town below.

Mora de Rubielos Shrine

One of the locals chatted animatedly with Maurice, in sign language, about how cold it is there in the winter, like England! They do get lots of snow in winter and there are ski resorts in the mountains nearby.

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Mora de Rubielos

Local stonework

And then home to Moraira, after 10 days “on the road”, 7 different hotels, and having traveled about 3,000 km. Another huge area of Spain explored, and a breathtaking diversity of scenery, history and traditions experienced, but there is so much more to see ………..

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Cookery Courses, Platinum Restaurant, Denia

Platinum Restaurant Denia

This very delightful restaurant will be running cookery courses in January. These will be held on Tuesday and Thursday lunchtimes and will be for one day each week and will run for six weeks. The cost will be €210. The groups will be small and the course will include 6 first course lunches with wine, 6 cookery sessions and one safety, knife skills. All materials will be supplied. A deposit of €50 will be required when booking.
For more information telephone Karin or Stuart on 96 6433472. The restaurant is located just past the Marina Alta Hospital, on the right.

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Alleluja Bar Jalon

Alleluja bar Jalon

Alleluja bar products

Alleluja bar courtyard

This bar is full of atmosphere and is run by “Holy Joe”, a very interesting and flamboyant guy.
The bar is situated opposite the main car park in Jalon.

At mid-day they serve salads and entremeses, wines, beers and other drinks and if you are lucky you may be there when there is music by Spanish guitarists and singers.

The bar also sells fruit in season, nuts, dried fruits, wines, local pottery and other products.

The prices are very reasonable.

In summer there is a pleasant vine covered terrace at the back where it is most enjoyable to sit and have a drink and/or lunch.

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Co-operativa Virgen Pobre de Jalon

Jalon Valley Wine

Jalon valley bodega

For anyone interested in wines the Co-operativa in Jalon is well worth a visit.
It was built 60 years ago; since then has been refurbished and in 2007 obtained silver and bronze medals. Two wines were recently recognised as on a national level with the city of Cordoba. It is very famous for moscatel.

The wine growers from Jalon, Llíber and Alcalali take their grapes to be processed here and they use as much as 2,200,000 kilos of grapes.

If you visit the Co-operative you can taste many of the wines

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