Three Kinds of Jamon Iberico

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Spanish cured acorn ham is one of the most expensive and sought after specialty food available. Jamon Iberico is the most popular variety and it comes from the meat of Black Iberian pigs that are raised only in Spain and in some areas of Portugal. Jamon iberico is classified further into three types according to their texture, quality, and most importantly by their diet before they are to be slaughtered and then cured. These are the three main types of Jamon Iberico:

Jamon Iberico de Bellota is known as the pride of Spain and it is their most significant contribution to the culinary world. It has gained a lot of attention for having a very unique taste and texture. This costly ham can be bought with or without a bone. It is very easy to slice and the characteristic streaking of fats is a beauty in itself that add to the velvety and melt in your mouth texture. This ham is not meant for cooking and it is best served raw. It is already cured so you don't need to cook the ham again. It is never meant to be cooked with other dishes and it is appropriate as an appetizer or a snack. The Spanish usually eat this as a tapa and then pair it with a glass of wine or any alcoholic drink. The ham can be stored for a long time as long as it is well covered and it can also be stored in a refrigerator. When this ham is combined with tomato, it is called Jamon Iberico de Bellota Deshuesado where tomato enhances the natural flavours of this ham.

Jamon Iberico de Recebo is the grade of ham it comes from pigs that are fed on diet of acorns and grains. It is second in grade to the bellota ham because it is partially fed on grains while the bellota ham is fed purely on acorns. This is also similar to the bellota ham because it has the characteristic streaks of fat or marbling. This ham can be eaten with a plain white bread and tomatoes. Jamon Iberico de Cebo is the third grade of Iberian ham and it comes from pigs that are fed on a diet of grains only. This ham may be a little low in standard when compared to the previous hams mentioned here, it is still delicious and it will also appeal to the tastes of many.

Jamon Iberico or Spanish acorn cured Iberian hams are very uncommon but they are very popular around the world especially to meat connoisseurs. They are commonly served as tapas in tapas bars and restaurants and it is true that you have never been to Spain if you have not tasted Spanish cured ham or eat in their tapas bars. Tapas are finger foods that are made of certain kinds of meat such as cured ham and it is served with wine and other drinks.