If you like cured ham, at Your Spanish Shop we offer you a wide variety of hams with the possibility of sending them to countries in the European Union.
Índice
- What is cured ham?
- How is ham cured in Spain?
- Cut cured ham to accompany your recipes
- Your Spanish Shop, your online store for Spanish hams
Cured ham is one of the most representative products of our gastronomy. It is important to know the qualities of cured ham to enjoy all its flavour. In this post we explain how the process is and what taste notes this process brings to the ham.
What is cured ham?
Cured ham is a type of pork that has been preserved through a salting and drying process. This product is characterised by its intense flavour and firm texture, resulting from dehydration and maturation under controlled conditions.
Cured ham is usually consumed in thin slices and is appreciated for its richness in umami and its complexity of flavours.
How is ham cured in Spain?
The ham curing process involves several detailed steps that transform raw meat into a product with a very particular flavour and texture.
Selection and preparation: High-quality pig legs are chosen. Excess fat and skin are trimmed to prepare the ham for salting.
Salting: The legs are completely covered with sea salt. This step takes between one and two weeks, depending on the weight of the ham. Salt dehydrates the meat, inhibits the growth of bacteria and helps preserve it.
Washing and settling: After salting, the legs are washed to remove excess salt. The hams are then left to rest in refrigerated chambers for one to two months so that the salt is evenly distributed and penetrates the meat.
Drying and maturation: The hams are hung in natural drying rooms or maturation chambers where the temperature and humidity are controlled. This process can last between six months and several years, allowing the flavors to develop and the meat to properly cure.
Refining: In this final stage, the hams are moved to cellars with specific humidity and temperature conditions to refine their flavor. This phase can last several additional months.
Inspection: Finally, the hams are inspected, graded for quality and prepared for sale.
What aromas and flavours does the curing process produce in hams
The curing process of ham develops a complex range of aromas and flavours that distinguish it from other types of meat. During salting, dehydration and maturation, the natural compounds in ham are transformed, generating deep and varied notes.
In terms of aroma, cured ham gives off a bouquet that can include notes of dried fruit, such as almonds and walnuts, as well as hints of herbs and spices due to the action of enzymes and salt. These aromas evolve during maturation, becoming more intense and richer over time.
In terms of flavours, cured ham offers a prominent umami profile, providing a sensation of flavour and fullness on the palate. This flavour is accompanied by a slight natural sweetness and well-balanced salty nuances, resulting from the interaction between meat and salt during curing.
Additionally, the curing process can introduce subtle smoky and earthy notes, depending on the environmental conditions of the drying and the length of the maturation. These elements combine to create a complex and rewarding taste experience, making cured ham a product appreciated around the world.
Cut cured ham to accompany your recipes
Cut cured ham is a versatile and delicious accompaniment, which can enhance a wide variety of dishes. By cutting it into small cubes, its concentrated flavor and firm texture are maximized, allowing it to be an explosion of flavor.
This type of preparation is ideal to incorporate into salads, providing a salty contrast and a gourmet touch. It can also be served alongside cheeses, dried fruits and crusty bread on an appetizer board, offering a perfect balance between salty and sweet, and a texture that complements the softness of the cheeses and the sweetness of the fruits.
In addition, cubes of cured ham are excellent to add to hot dishes, such as pastas or stews, where its intense flavor can complement the dish with depth and complexity.
Your Spanish Shop, your online store for Spanish hams
At Your Spanish Shop we pride ourselves on offering an exceptional catalogue with all types of hams, from the exquisite Iberian acorn-fed ham to the delicious Serrano ham.
Our products have been selected for their quality and unrivalled flavour, guaranteeing an authentic gourmet experience. In addition, we understand the importance of enjoying the best ham in the world no matter where you are, which is why we ship internationally. At Your Spanish Shop we bring the authentic flavour of Spain straight to your door, discover our selection and let yourself be seduced by the best ham in the world in your home.