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Serrano Ham – Air-Dried Spanish Ham

Serrano ham is an air-dried Spanish ham made from pork. The delicacy matures for at least 12 to 20 months, in exceptional cases up to 32 months. A distinction is made between the shoulder and hind ham. Serrano ham is a guaranteed traditional specialty (g.t.S.) EU-wide protected product.

Origin

The production of ham arose thousands of years ago from the need to preserve fresh meat by curing, smoking, and air drying. The Celts are said to have preserved their meat in this way. In the meantime, ham is produced in many countries using this process, which has hardly changed to this day. The producer of Serrano ham is Spain. While the specialty used to be produced exclusively in the Spanish high mountains due to the optimal climatic conditions, production has now spread to all of Spain. Particularly famous and tasty hams come from the towns of Trevélez, Teruel, Girona and Soria.

Season/purchase

Serrano ham is available all year round with consistent quality, sometimes even as a whole ham.

Taste/ consistency

The lean and little fibrous meat is valued for its mild and aromatic flavor.

Use

The ham is cut into wafer-thin slices and preferably eaten pure. It is also ideal with fresh bread, as an accompaniment to asparagus, or as a filling for quiches and savory pancakes, among other things.

Storage/shelf life

Fresh slices of ham are best kept wrapped in parchment paper in the fridge. This not only protects against drying out but also extends the shelf life to approx. 4 days. Vacuum packed, the shelf life is about 3-5 weeks. Larger quantities can also be stored in the freezer for up to a year.

Nutritional value/active ingredients

Serrano ham is relatively lean.

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Written by John Myers

Professional Chef with 25 years of industry experience at the highest levels. Restaurant owner. Beverage Director with experience creating world-class nationally recognized cocktail programs. Food writer with a distinctive Chef-driven voice and point of view.

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