Food
and cooking tips and techniques:
SAVOURING
SERRANO HAM
 There
are certain delicacies in the world that are to be truly
savoured, Spanish hams are up there with the best of
them. Iberian ham or "jamon Iberico" is regarded
as the best ham in the world with flavour and texture
unlike anything else the Iberico ham reigns supreme.
The
Serrano ham has been the staple diet of Spanish families
for generations, to them, "jamon" is nothing
new but to Northern Europeans, chefs and gourmet food
enthusiasts the simple Serrano ham has fast become one
of the leading delicacies available. Serrano hams come
cured from 12 to 24 months, the latter being the Serrano
ham "reserva". Particular care is taken with
these hams during the salting and curing process resulting
in a thoroughly unique flavour. Reserva Serrano hams
are the Rolls Royce of the Serrano range with a flavour
and texture that will not disappoint.
The
first thing to note about your ham will be its size
- substantial at 7-8kg. One hundred tapas size servings
can be carved from a whole rear leg making the Serrano
ham the "economical and gourmet choice" Cutting
into your ham will reveal a ruby red moist flesh with
a unique aroma, traces of fat all add to that flavour
and should never be discarded.
For
the enthusiast slicing is crucial to flavour and texture,
thin slices are required and should be left to breath
for 30 minutes just like a good wine. Complimentary
Spanish flavours can also be served with your ham, olives,
olive oil, toasted almonds or vine tomatoes to name
but a few - a true Andalusian experience. Red wine (Rioja
or Ribera) goes exceptionally well with Serrano ham,
as of they were made to match, introduce some manchego
cheese and the perfect trio is complete.
This
unique blend of Spain can be enjoyed at any time of
the day - even breakfast. A full ham is somewhat of
a centre piece so is ideal for functions or simply a
friendly gathering outdoors or indoors. For the connoisseur
the flavours are sublime, intensity varies between curing
times and indeed within the ham, the aroma can only
be described as deep, rich and unreservedly tempting.
Perfect
accompaniments to Serrano ham:
- Extra
virgin olive oil
- Almonds
- Queen
olives
- Vine
tomatoes
- Fresh
red peppers
- Rioja
- Ribera
del Duero
- Manchego
cheese
- Melon
- Fresh
broad beans
- Peaches
www.orceserranohams.com
©
Copyright 2008 Orce Serrano Hams - www.orceserranohams.com
Published
14 February 2008
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