Jamon iberico - Spanish ham

Pata Negra.

A pata Negra is the ham most correctly termed jamon iberico as these Spanish hams come from the Iberian pig, a black pig descended from the wild boar. They were once the predominant race in Spain but are not so common today, being mainly found in Andalucia, and their hams are highly prized.

Jamon iberico

The pigs that produce Jamon iberico de bellota are pasture fed on acorns and it is this natural rearing which is so important in giving the meat its delectable and unique flavor. In today’s health conscious world they are to be valued as a meat low in saturated fats and cholesterol and as such are an important part of the healthy Mediterranean Diet. Serrano ham contains a high level of oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fat which can have the effect of lowering cholesterol levels and has also recently been proved to have anti cancer properties. This is the oil found in olive oil which has also been receiving very good reports in the health press in recent years.

So next time you are in Spain be sure to try some Jamon iberico, I am sure there isn’t a bar in the land which does not serve this wonderful ham.

Try asking for a catalan which is a bocadillo, or large roll, served with jamon iberico, cheese and olive oil.

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