Description
The flavor of a 100% Iberian breed ham is characterized by its high level of oleic acid and its high unsaturated fats that provide that characteristic flavor. And what is so beneficial for our body, Omega 3 and 6.
Within these factors, the better the diet, the origin of the Iberian breed and the type of breeding that they have had, the better quality the ham will have. When it comes to consuming one ham or another, especially if we compare them, the breed will stand out and if it has been fed on acorns, pastures or even fruit over white breed hams that have been fed on feed.
That does not mean that you have to buy an Iberian ham, if you have a tighter budget you can find Serrano hams that have an exquisite flavor and texture.
Data sheet:
Breeding and Feeding: Maldonado ham comes from purebred Iberian pigs, raised in freedom and with great care in the company's own Meadows in Alburquerque, Badajoz (Extremadura). Food in the montañera period based on acorns and outside this period, based on herbs and roots of La Dehesa. Breeding and feeding of the animal totally and certified by independent certification bodies.
Crafting: Limited production. Completely handmade elaboration according to ancestral techniques. This small production allows our products, Manuel Maldonado, and his team, to put all their knowledge and care in each piece produced, resulting in a final product of excellent quality.
Quality: Manuel Maldonado transmits to the product all his passion for the world of the pure Iberian pig, using the totally artisan process and technology always at the service of gastronomic excellence. Without a doubt, It is the best ham in the world.
Production area: Albuquerque, Badajoz (Extremadura).
Qualitative / quantitative composition: Ingredients: 100% pure acorn-fed Iberian pork, salt.
Organoleptic characteristics: Characteristic color from pink to purple-red and cut appearance with fat infiltrated into the muscle mass. SMELL AND FLAVOR: meat with a delicate flavor, slightly salty or sweet. Pleasant and characteristic aroma of the area influenced by its special climate of very cold in winter and very hot in summer. TEXTURE: not very fibrous. FAT: bright, white-pinkish-yellowish color, aromatic and with a pleasant taste, the consistency varies according to the percentage of acorn feeding.
Nutritional value: CARBON HYDRATES: 0%. PROTEINS: 28.5%. FATS: 14.5%. Kcal-Kjul .: 242 Kcal./ 1012 Kjul
Physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics: Very balanced food regarding its composition. It contains monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic) -described as good fat-, in a higher proportion than other meats.
Date of Expiry: It has no expiration date, but it is recommended to consume not exceeding 6 months from the moment of sale.
Conditions of conservation: Dry and cool place (between 10º and 20º) and preferably hanging. Once cut, it must be consumed immediately or wrapped in waxed paper or transparent film, to avoid contact with air. In any case, it is advisable to cut only what is going to be consumed. It has an approximate consumption period of 3 months once the cut occurs, but it is convenient to consume it within a period of 15-20 days
Labeled: Black ham band. Identification booklet of Pure Acorn-fed Iberian Pork Ham, together with two wooden acorns.
En Made in Spain Gourmet We recommend it to always pair with premium cava. It is a perfect combination of our gourmet concept. Also with sourdough bread, or some crackers, and a little extra virgin olive oil on top of the bread or crackers, it's great.
If you are interested in buying a Spanish ham, Made in Spain Gourmet It is the best store for Spanish gourmet products, because it also offers you Black Label Iberian hams, the best and most select.
With free shipping throughout Europe.
How we select the hams at Made in Spain Gourmet
Selecting only black label Iberian hams guarantees you the most unique product of Spanish gastronomy. and although the other categories offer good products, nothing can be compared to an Iberian acorn-fed ham.
The ham is obtained from the rear part of the pig, the hind legs, which weigh approximately between 7 and 8,5 kg. Although sometimes you can find hams up to 10 kg. With a proportion of bone and fat of 50%.
There are 2 types of ham, of Iberian origin and the one that comes from a white pig. We only offer the one that is of 100% Iberian origin.
The condition of the race is the one that will determine other key aspects that will differentiate one ham from another. These aspects are: the animal's diet, the healing time and the environment in which it has been raised, that is, if it has lived in captivity or if it has lived in the wild.
Characteristics of 100% acorn-fed Iberian ham
It is very important to know the geographical location, food, certification, curing and aging of the Iberian ham to recognize it as such.
Iberian ham is considered to be hams of the Iberian breed that have been raised and cured in the Iberian Peninsula (in Spain and Portugal). And only these. For this reason, the certification issued by the Ministry of Agriculture of Spain is very important, and it guarantees the traceability of the animal, the purity of the breed, the food it has obtained and the type of breeding it has had. The certification is shown with a plastic label, band or seal, around the hoof and that depending on the color is one type of Iberian ham or another. In our case, the black label, the one that grants the greatest distinction.
The diet of the 100% Iberian breed Iberian pigs that we have at Made in Spain Gourmet have been fed only with natural feed, natural pastures and acorns.
The 100% Iberian breed pigs are raised in freedom, during the montanera season, fattening. Where they can reach up to 180 kilos. This freedom gives them relaxation and a unique quality of life, which is evident in the quality of the meat.
La Curing of a ham only determines the size of the leg and also its percentage of fat.
A 100% Iberian breed ham usually has a minimum curing period of 36, although it can reach 48 months. Patience offers customers a spectacular final product.
Recommendation: do not buy hams that are not certified, for not knowing its origin. In Made in Spain Gourmet, There are only certified hams, with the black label, the highest distinction.
Black label: 100% Iberian breed ham: Black label Iberian ham is one that has a black band. This badge indicates that the breed of ham is 100% Iberian and that it has fed on acorns and natural pastures, as well as living in the wild. It is undoubtedly the most expensive and valued ham. Its cure can be greater than 48 months. a real gem.
Other Labels: Red, green and white (where the pork is of lower quality.
El Iberian Pata Negra It is a 100% Iberian breed ham. He has not undergone a cross with other pig breeds. The genetics of the Iberian breed mean that, being a ham obtained from purebred pigs, it has a higher content of unsaturated fats and higher oleic acid than other hams, characteristics that make it very healthy.
At first glance it is a fattier ham than the rest, its texture when cut is consistent. It has a darker color and veining when cut, which stands out to the eye. Its flavor is very characteristic and it is more cured than the rest of Iberian hams. Its flavor leaves a pleasant taste on the palate that lasts for a while.
How to cut 100% Iberico acorn-fed ham
We know that cutting pata negra ham is not easy, but we are going to give you a few guidelines so that you can cut pata negra ham perfectly.
First of all and before beginning, we must take into account the utensils to use:
Pestle knife: boning ham knife 20 or 30 cm long and wide blade. Essential for cleaning and deboning the ham.
Ham knife: essential for slicing pata negra ham.
lace knife: about 8-12 cm with a narrow blade, used to mark and separate the bones of the ham.
Ham holder: utensil where the pata negra ham is placed. It may be rotating or static.
The cut of the ham
1. Initial cut: we will begin to cut the ham with the black hoof facing up.
2. Cleaning the ham: this means cutting the outer layer of how much we want to consume at that moment. It is convenient to clean both sides of the ham as we cut it so that it does not dry out.
3. Save slices of fat: these slices of bacon should be saved for later conservation and avoid oxidation.
4. Slicing: it is important to always cut the ham parallel to the central axis of the ham that goes from the hoof to the tip. Always towards us and carefully so as not to cut himself.
5. Separate the bone: with a boning knife we must separate the meat from the bone on both sides. Afterwards, it will come off effortlessly.
6. Turn around: we will turn the ham when we cannot manage to cut slices of adequate dimensions with a horizontal and flat cut. This will be indicated by the femur, patella and tibia bones of the ham.
7. Repeat the same procedure from the starting point.
Maintenance of 100% Iberico acorn-fed ham
A product of this quality, we must take care at the level it deserves, when maintaining it. It is important that the 100% Iberian ham remains juicy and in optimal conditions for its enjoyment
It is essential cover the already opened ham with the bacon or pieces of fat previously cut. In this way, it will not dry out or oxidize.
Why 100% ham is the only choice in Made in Spain Gourmet
If you're looking for Pure acorn-fed Iberian ham, it is because you are a demanding consumer, and you know that you want the best. An exclusive product where the most important thing is its maximum quality. And their price? The best on the market because they come directly from the producer, one of the best, who are the ones we work with.
Do you want to treat yourself? Do you want to make a gift to remember? Or simply enjoy life as you deserve.
Made in Spain Gourmet is your home, your online gourmet shop for Spanish products.
Denominations of Origin of 100% Iberian Ham
In Spain there are 4 Denominations of Origin, which determine the origin of 100% Iberian pigs. that guarantee a quality standard and protect and promote your brand.
The Iberian breed certificate is only given in Spain, we can distinguish 4 Designations of Origin of Iberian ham which are:
DO Valley of Los Pedroches:
Iberian ham from Valle de los Pedroches is regulated by the Pedroches Denomination of Origin, which covers the northern territory of the province of Córdoba. It certifies only 100% Iberian acorn-fed hams (black label), acorn-fed hams (red label) and field-fed hams (green label).
Guijuelo DO:
Guijuelo Iberian ham is certified by the Guijuelo designation of origin, located in the municipality of Guijuelo, Salamanca. Of all the Denominations of Origin, it is the most commercial and well-known ham. Salamanca ham is a quality ham. The breed usually predominates, 100%, 75%, 50% Iberian and among them the bait ham. Guijuelo Iberian ham was the first Denomination of Origin of Iberian Ham to be created in Spain.
DO Dehesa de Extremadura:
Iberico ham from Extremadura is an excellent ham. For many it is considered the best Iberian ham in Spain. It is made in the Extremadura meadow. The ham from the Extremadura denomination of origin uses only Iberian pigs with a breed of 75% and 100%.
.All the pigs of the Denomination of Origin Extremadura are raised in freedom. For this reason, we are only going to find black label, red label and green label hams.
DO of Jabugo:
Jabugo is synonymous with Iberian ham. The Jabugo denomination of origin is located in the municipality of Jabugo, Some excellent hams from Huelva. This Designation of Origin protects, regulates and certifies all the Iberian hams that have been produced in the municipalities that are located within the Sierra Aracena Natural Park.
Jabugo Denomination of Origin hams are only considered those that come from 100% Iberian pigs and that have been raised in Libertad.
All the hams from certified pigs live in freedom and in ideal conditions to make an excellent Iberian ham.
We take it home and you just have to enjoy it!!
Israel Romero -
The best ham in the world without a doubt. How they take care of the pigs on the farm is something to see. It does not surprise me that afterwards such spectacular hams come out !! Unique texture and incomparable flavor.