Exploring 5 mouthwatering Spanish dishes with Iberico Ham

Exploring 5 mouthwatering Spanish dishes with Iberico Ham

Welcome to our culinary journey through the enchanting world of Spanish cuisine! Today, we dive deep into the realm of Iberico ham, a culinary masterpiece that has captivated food enthusiasts worldwide. As a Spanish charcuterie online store, we take immense pride in sharing our expertise and showcasing the versatility of this delectable ingredient. 


Join us as we unravel five mouthwatering Spanish dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more!


Tapas: Jamón Ibérico Croquettes

First stop, the land of tapas! These bite-sized wonders are a staple in Spanish cuisine, and when combined with the richness of Jamón Ibérico, they reach new heights of flavor. Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy golden shell, revealing a velvety, creamy filling infused with the nutty and savory notes of Iberico ham. The combination of textures and tastes will have you reaching for more before you know it!


Elevate your culinary experience with the velvety richness of our premium Iberico Ham. Order now


Main Course: Secreto Ibérico with Roasted Potatoes

Next on our journey, we discover the hidden gem of Iberico pork: the Secreto Ibérico. This tender, marbled cut comes from the shoulder, offering a succulent and juicy experience. Paired with perfectly roasted potatoes, this dish showcases the pure elegance of Iberico ham. As you savor each mouthful, the intricate layers of flavors unfold, leaving you in awe of the culinary magic Spanish cuisine has to offer.


Paella: Ibérico Ham and Seafood Paella

No exploration of Spanish cuisine would be complete without a mention of the iconic paella. Transport yourself to the sun-kissed shores of Valencia as you savor a generous helping of this timeless dish. The smoky, umami-rich notes of Iberico ham complement the fresh seafood and aromatic saffron-infused rice, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to a coastal paradise.


Explore our exquisite collection of Spanish cheeses that will tantalize your taste buds.


Salads: Iberico Ham and Fig Salad

When it comes to creating a harmonious balance of sweet and savory, the Iberico ham and fig salad takes the crown. This vibrant and refreshing dish combines the delicate saltiness of the ham with the natural sweetness of ripe figs. The contrasting textures and flavors are further enhanced by a drizzle of tangy vinaigrette, making this salad an absolute delight for the senses.


Dessert: Iberico Ham with Quince Paste and Cheese

Prepare for a sweet finale with a dessert that defies expectations – Iberico ham paired with quince paste and cheese. This delightful combination brings together the richness of the ham, the sweet and fragrant notes of quince paste, and the creamy, savory character of Spanish cheese.


Read too: How to Buy the Best Sliced Ibérico Ham in the U.S. 


Embark on a culinary adventure like no other by embracing the tantalizing world of Spanish cuisine, enriched by the exquisite flavors of Iberico ham. From tapas to main courses, and even desserts, the possibilities are endless. As you explore these mouthwatering dishes, you'll witness the artistry and passion that the Spanish bring to their culinary creations. 


So why wait? Indulge your senses and let the allure of Iberico ham transport you to the vibrant streets and sunny landscapes of Spain, right in the comfort of your own home! If you liked this post, follow us on social media and unlock a treasure trove of flavor, culture, and gastronomic inspiration! Instagram 

June 12, 2023 — edwin tirado
How to Buy the Best Sliced Ibérico Ham in the U.S.

How to Buy the Best Sliced Ibérico Ham in the U.S.

How to Buy the Best Sliced Ibérico Ham in the U.S.

You receive hundreds of offers a day to buy hams in Miami, but you still can't decide which one to choose because you are not ready or don't know yet which is the best option for quality, price and enjoyment. So if you are still in this doubt, the best way to get started in the world of exclusive Spanish Ham is to do it with a starter kit, sliced and practical if you are not yet ready to buy our best Iberian Ham legs and shoulders. But there is very little information available about sliced ham, so before purchasing an Iberico kit, you should be clear on these questions:
Is it 100% Ibérico de Bellota?
Has it been carved by hand?
Is it really hand-sliced ham or is it shoulder ham?
How much does shipping cost?

It is time to answer your questions and first of all, for us it is essential that you know that ham has different categories that you should know in order to choose the best for you, the best from the Spanish pastures.

The different categories of ham
Eating ham is a delight for our palate, but eating the best ham is another experience altogether, especially when you learn to recognize the different categories of ham.

Iberian ham is made from free-range Iberian pigs, usually crossbred, raised indoors and fed on hay.

Cebo de Campo Iberian Ham is the next level up and is made from free-range, cross-bred Iberian pigs fed on a mixture of acorns and hay.

Jamón Ibérico de Bellota is the highest level, the one that has inspired the cult, and is made from free-range Iberian pigs fed exclusively on acorns in the best pastures in Spain. If you want to enjoy ham, you should undoubtedly do so with Jamón Ibérico de Bellota.

Finally, Jamón Serrano is made from white pigs, usually of the Landrace or Duroc breeds, which have white hooves and are usually raised indoors and fed on a mixture of cereals. The product is less fatty than Ibérico.

Iberico Ham

March 02, 2023 — Carolina Gomez
Spanish Recipes: Chorizo

Spanish Recipes: Chorizo

Learn how to cook with chorizo, Spain’s tastiest sausage.

February 14, 2023 — franco salzillo
Spanish Canned Seafood

Spanish Canned Seafood

One of the favorite dishes of the vast majority of people are canned products, as they help us save time and have the food ready in a matter of seconds, however, although they are delicious many times they do not meet the expected expectations, has it happened to you?

Well, in Spain one of the most favored canned products are the Spanish canned seafood products that are among the highest quality gourmet products in the country and, in many cases, are even better than their fresh counterparts.

You may wonder why these canned seafood are favored among the thousand canned seafoods in the world, so I will tell you a little bit about why these canned seafoods, even though they are more popular, are usually more expensive than the other canned seafoods.

Serving Spanish canned seafood

Spanish gourmet canned seafood is usually preserved in a way that keeps the product fresh and brings out its flavors, serving it in salads, with toasted bread or with a little lemon juice. The most practical thing in the world sometimes turns out to be the most exquisite.

Cost of Spanish preserves.

As well as the Iberian pork, the Spanish preserves are usually more expensive because of the freshness that they offer in their product and because these require a whole artisan process that does not pollute or harm the environment, these products are obtained in the best places of Spain.

It's all in the process

High-quality fish and seafood are gently cooked at their optimum point of freshness and then immediately preserved in ingredients that complement their flavor, rather than detract from it. That means excellent extra virgin olive oil, a simple marinade sauce flavored with vinegar and spices or, in the case of squid, its own ink.

The end result is very different from canned tuna packed in water. The freshness of the fish at the time of preservation, the depth of flavors and the overall quality of the final product make it worth the price.

Types of Spanish canned seafood

Sardines, anchovies, mussels or tuna? We know that learning to recognize these minute differences can be very confusing and even more so when you're just starting to love Spanish food and all its derivations. Which is why we've created a short list of some of these preserves to help you become an expert on Spanish seafood.

Anchovies

One of the most prized Spanish preserves, the best Spanish anchovies usually come from the Bay of Biscay. They are cured in salt, expertly cleaned and deboned and canned in the best extra virgin olive oil.

Mussels

The best canned mussels come from Galicia. They are usually covered with a light marinade sauce based on vinegar, paprika, garlic, salt and bay leaf. Larger mussels are best if you can find them; the longer they have to grow before canning, the better they will keep.

Mussles

Cockles

These little guys are in the clam family. Look for Galician ones and enjoy them with a nice glass of Albariño wine.

Seafood

Sardinas (Sardines)

The best Spanish canned seafood for making a quick tapa! Toast up some bread and drizzle on extra virgin olive oil, then top it with a sun-dried tomato and a juicy sardine. Easy and super impressive!

Sardinas

Tuna Belly

One of the most delicate and delicious morsels you will ever taste. It is perfect with seasonal Spanish tomatoes, but also goes great with any salad.

Tuna Belly

Now that you know about Spanish canned food, we invite you to visit our Seafood section to crave for all our canned food and leave us your comments about your experience with these products.

February 06, 2023 — Carolina Gomez
Why Does Acorn-Fed Ham Taste So Good?

Why Does Acorn-Fed Ham Taste So Good?

What’s the deal with acorn-fed ham? Here’s what you need to know about the best Spanish ham and how it is made.

January 31, 2023 — franco salzillo
Is All Ham From Spain Free Range?

Is All Ham From Spain Free Range?

Spanish ham is formidable, but is it free range? Here is all you need to know about free-range ham.

January 09, 2023 — franco salzillo
8 really healthy recipes with Iberico Ham

8 really healthy recipes with Iberico Ham

Iberico ham is one of the most exclusive dishes in Spanish gastronomy, thanks to the infinite number of recipes that can be prepared with a small portion of this product. Usually in the United States, Iberian ham is offered at important dinners or wherever you want to show off to your family, friends or collaborators, so we have created an exclusive blog with the best recipes with Iberian ham.

 

Rice, quinoa, apple and Jamón salad

The requirements of a healthy dish as it provides us with a set of essential nutrients for our body. In addition, the right combination of ingredients will make the taste of the recipe extraordinary.

Ingredients

80 g wild rice

80 g Quinoa

6 Cherry tomatoes

2 apple

6 slices of jamón ibérico 

Olive oil

Balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Sesame seeds

First of all, cook the wild rice and quinoa. Keep in mind that they require a longer cooking time than normal rice. They are seeds that have a harder time absorbing water. Cook between 35 and 45 minutes, depending on the hardness of the water and the intensity of the fire used.

When ready, let it cool for a few minutes. Cut the apple into cubes. Choose the size to your liking. Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them. If you want to add a touch of sesame seeds, now it is the time. Finally add the jamón slices on top and that's it: easy, healthy, complete and delicious!

Rice, quinoa, apple and Jamón salad - Enrique Tomás ®

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Zucchini with Spanish Jamón/ham and mushrooms

Ideal to prepare it as part of lunch or dinner, or even as a recipe to take to work, its flavor will remain intact and delicious the next day. In just 20 minutes you will have it ready!

Ingredients

14 oz Zucchini

7 oz Mushrooms

4 garlic cloves

1.40 oz Jamón Ibérico

56 British mature cheese

Black pepper and salt to taste

Olive oil

Wash the zucchini and cut them into thin slices with the help of a fruit and vegetable peeler. Cut the garlic into small pieces and remove the seed. Then, cut the mushrooms into slices and put them all together in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil to brown them. When they are ready, add the zucchini and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the whole mixture over high heat for about 3-4 minutes, before the zucchini begins to release the water. When it is ready, place it in the dish where you are going to serve it and add the shavings of Iberian ham and the mature cheese on top, you will see that the cheese melts a little bit and it is delicious. Enjoy!

Zucchini with Spanish Jamón/ham and mushrooms - Enrique Tomás ®

Buy the perfect Iberico Ham for this recipe

 

Mushroom, goat cheese and Jamón ibérico salad

Salads are always a hit and, in addition, they are an ideal dish to take to work or eat anywhere or anytime. A simple recipe to prepare and healthy, in which you can give free rein to your creativity and combine the ingredients you like the most. In this case, as we are in autumn, we are going to propose you to prepare a seasonal salad. We are talking about the salad of mushrooms, goat cheese and Jamón ibérico.

Ingredients

530 g Assorted salad

28 g Jamón de bellota Ibérico Premium

2 Eggs

5 Mushrooms 

2 Slices of goat cheese

A handful of walnuts

Salt and pepper

Olive oil

Balsamic vinegar

Wash the salad, drain it and place it on the plate ready to add your gourmet ingredients. Boil the eggs for about 8-10 minutes and cut them into small pieces to add to the salad. Slice the mushrooms and sauté them in a frying pan for a couple of minutes until golden brown. Add the goat cheese. If you want you can put it in the microwave for 20 seconds so that it melts a little and is more manageable and its texture softer and undone. Another option is to make a turn and turn in the pan, it will be delicious.Add the walnuts to your liking and place the slices of Iberian ham on top.

Mushroom, goat cheese and Jamón ibérico salad - Enrique Tomás ®

 Buy the perfect Iberico Ham for this recipe

 

Beans with poached egg and Iberian ham

The base of the dish is the fine green beans, they belong to the leguminous family and there are more than a hundred varieties spread all over the world. They provide few calories to the organism and are rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals and fiber. On the other hand, we have the egg as a complement and we prepare it in the form of poached egg. This way of cooking is healthier than the typical fried egg since it does not need a single drop of oil because it is cooked in boiling water, and we still enjoy the liquid texture of the yolk, which when it explodes fills the dish with flavor and we love it. The egg in turn provides us with protein, vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients

176 oz green bones

2 eggs

8 slices of Jamón bellota

1 tsp Dijon mustard

4 radishes lemon olive oil salt and pepper

Cut the beans to your liking and prepare a pot on the fire to boil them. In our taste, we suggest you don't cut them too much. When the water boils, add the beans. If you like them tender, that is to say, "al dente", it will be enough to keep them on the fire for about 5 minutes. Drain them and cool them in ice water for a few moments. Now cut the radishes into small slices. Now cut the radishes into small slices.It is the turn of the poached egg. You have to put water to boil in a small saucepan and when it starts to smoke but not bubbling or bubbles, make a small swirl in the center of the pan with the help of a spoon and pour the egg (without shell). Leave it for about 3 minutes. A trick for beginners would be to add a splash of vinegar in the water, so that the white and the yolk do not separate.Assemble the dish by placing your green beans at the base, adding the sliced radishes, the slices of Iberian ham and the poached egg in the center. To finish, pour a dash of the vinaigrette we have prepared and add a touch of pepper to taste.And that's it! You will only have to enjoy this satiating, complete and delicious dish.

Beans with poached egg and Jamón ibérico - Enrique Tomás ®

 Buy the perfect Iberico Ham for this recipe

 

Jamon Iberico Salad with Orange, Chickpeas, and Almonds

Jamon Iberico salad is the ideal starter dish or small tapas that is perfect for sharing. This recipe uses just 50g (1.8 oz.) worth of Jamon Iberico but makes a delicious tapas for 2-3 people.

Ingredients

Some good quality cured Spanish ham

½ cup cooked and prepared chickpeas

1 cup worth of mixed greens

1 orange

2 tablespoons of flaked almonds

In a bowl mix the seeds or nuts (pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, pistachios also work well), 100g mozzarella cheese, coarse sea salt and ground black pepper (for seasoning), extra virgin olive oil, honey and Moscatel vinegar (or balsamic vinegar).
Jamon Iberico Salad with Orange, Chickpeas, and Almonds
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Tomato and Iberian ham slices
This simple dish is easy to make and serves for breakfast, as a tapa or as a starter for lunch or dinner. It is best enjoyed in good weather with a cold beer.
Ingredients
1 large fresh tomato
4 pieces of crusty bread
12 thin slices of Iberian ham
Olive oil
Sea salt
Ground black pepper

Toast the bread under the grill until golden brown. Drizzle the toast with good quality olive oil. Cut the tomato into slices about 1 cm wide and place them on the toast. Season the tomato well with salt and ground black pepper. Finally, add the slices of Iberian ham on top and enjoy!
Premium Photo | Spanish tapas with tomatoes and cured slices of jamon  iberico ham, fresh toasts. gray background. top view.

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Iberico ham panini

Ingredients
20 cm baguette slice
2 or 3 slices of Iberian ham or Serrano ham
2 cloves of roasted garlic, crushed to a fine paste
2 or 3 teaspoons of sweet butter

Make sure the butter is at room temperature, i.e. quite soft and spreadable. Slice the bread lengthwise. Spread the roasted garlic paste over the bread as thinly and evenly as you can. Spread a thin layer of butter to cover each piece of bread well. Put enough ham on each loaf to cover it. Pour yourself a nice glass of Prosecco or Sauvignon Blanc and enjoy!

Best Jamon Iberico Sandwich Recipe - How To Make Jamón Ibérico Panini
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Iberico Ham and Tumaca Bread (toasted bread with tomato)
Ingredients
Fresh Baguette bread
Ripe tomato
Olive oil
Acorn-fed Iberico Ham
Optional Garlic

Cut a fresh baguette bread in slices of the thickness you prefer, freshly cut, put them in the oven and toast them to your liking. Remove the slices from the oven and let them cool a bit.
Now, take a ripe tomato, cut it in half and spread it on your freshly toasted bread. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the bread to add more flavors to this delicate and delicious recipe. And to finish, add a slice or two of jamón ibérico (the best ham in the world) on top of your bread masterpiece.

Medias Tostadas con Jamón Ibérico y Tomate. Receta de josevillalta- Cookpad

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January 05, 2023 — Carolina Gomez
Ham  de Bellota

6 keys to enjoy Iberico ham (What is it, why buy it and how to buy it?)

1. Get To Know Iberian Ham: 

Knowing Its History Will Allow You To Understand The Gastronomic Treasure We Are Talking About. Jamón Ibérico Is A Culinary Masterpiece From My Native Spain (Península Ibérica), Made Exclusively From The Meat Of Black-Hoofed Iberian Pigs. The Finest Of All Jamón Ibérico — The Classification Of Which Is Regulated By Stringent Real Decreto Del Reino De España Guidelines — Is Made From A Special Breed Of Iberian Pigs That Are Fed At The Last Winter Of Their Lives With Only Acorns, Or Bellotas, And Free Range Pasture 

Iberico Ham
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2. Know The Authentic Brands:

 Learn To Identify The Best Brands Characterized By The Product's Authenticity And Originality. Fermin, Covap, And Cinco Jotas Are Some Of Spain's Most Authentic And Highest-Quality Brands For Spanish Ham, Caring About Quality, Tradition, And Flavor. Barceloneta Market Sells These Brands.Iberico Ham

 

3. Learn How To Choose A Good Iberico Ham: The Most Fascinating Part Of Jamon Iberico Is The Fact That Every Jamon Is Different. There Are Different Categories, Different Textures, Flavours And Costings Associated With These Variations. For An Untrained Eye, This May Seem A Little Overwhelming And You May Not Know Where To Start. This Is Going To Be The Ultimate Buying Guide For Buying Iberico Ham. You Should Know That Each Ham Must Be Identified With A Specific Color That Defines Its Feeding And Breeding Factors Of The Pig. There Are Currently 4 Label Colors:

- White: a 50% Iberian breed pig (crossbred:

100% Iberian Mother And 100% Duroc Father, In Most Cases) Fed On Cereals. This Is The Entry Level: It Is A Good Ham, But Far From The Other Iberian Options.

- Light green:

The Same 50% Iberian Breed As The Previous One, But In This Case The Pig Is Free Range, So It Is Fed On Pasture And Whatever The Animal Finds In The Forest. Please Note That Neither Of These Two Options Is Available At Love Iberico.

- Dark Green:

Pure Iberico (From 100% Iberico Mother And Father), Free Range, Pasture Raised. This Is A Better Quality Than The Previous Two.

- Black:

This Is The Top Of The Range, The Best Ham On The Market, The 100% Acorn-Fed Iberian Breed, Also Known As "Bellota" In Spanish And Also The Only One (Let Me Repeat: The Only One) That Can Be Called "Pata Negra".

This Variety Of Authentic Color hams And A Menu With All Types Of Iberico Ham, Only At Barceloneta Market

 

Iberico Ham

4. Choose the ham by its cuts

Not All Hams Are Created Equally, Nor Should They All Be Sliced In The Same Way. Machine Sliced Jamón May Work For The Right Occasion, But For A Full Sensorial Experience, Hand Carved Jamón Is The Way To Go.

Carve Your Jamón Any Other Way, And You May Find Yourself Shortchanged From That Unforgettable Experience. Hand Carved Jamón, When Cut Right, Enhances The Flavors, Properties, And Nuances In Every Slice, Offering A More Succulent, Fulfilling, And Visually Attractive Product.

But Don't Worry! At Barceloneta Market, We Offer Only The Best Hand-Carved Jamón, Cut By Master Carvers Right In The Heart Of Spain.


5. Select a good dealer:

Fortunately you are on the page of the best dealer. What differentiates us from the rest? We are obsessed with quality and exclusivity, we are passionate about authentic and well-selected ham. In our store, the products are already selected to comply with the previous keys, which guarantee an unforgettable and authentic experience for your palate. Barceloneta Market is the only place you can find a package of 100% Ibérico de Bellota Jamón or the whole authentic pata negra at the best price  in the U.S. Barceloneta Emerged On The Scene In 2011 And Was One Of The Original Venues That Amplified Sunset Harbour Into The Fashionable Miami Neighborhood It Is Now Reputed For. A Trendy & Casual Venue Immersed In Spanish Mediterranean Cuisine. A few weeks ago we celebrated our 11th anniversary., With An Expansion That Allows Us To Announce That The Flavors Of Barceloneta Miami Will Now Arrive At Your Door.

Iberico Ham

6. How To Buy? That Is Your Other Advantage, We Will Leave You A Button That Will Facilitate The Whole Experience Of Buying An Authentic Iberico Ham. The Button Below Takes You To Our Flagship Product, The Best Seller, The Best Of All, Free Shipping. What Are You Waiting For? It's Time To Try The Taste Of A Real Spanish Iberico Ham

Buy Now

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January 03, 2023 — Gabriel Velez Quinones
The Most Popular Types of Spanish Cheese

The Most Popular Types of Spanish Cheese

Cheese in Spain is serious business; it’s as good as it gets! Learn more about the country’s cheese repertoire.

January 03, 2023 — franco salzillo
Jamon Iberico, The Original Spanish Ham

Jamon Iberico, The Original Spanish Ham

Get ready to enjoy the best-tasting ham ever! Learn more about this fantastic product!

December 27, 2022 — franco salzillo
Why Is Iberian Ham so Popular Among Connoisseurs?

Why Is Iberian Ham so Popular Among Connoisseurs?

Spain has a vibrant cuisine and rich food traditions, every town in the Iberian country seems to have its own traditional dishes and specialties. Interestingly, in a country with such diversity, a food delicacy rises as an ambassador of Spain: Iberico ham.

Iberian ham is a type of Spanish ham, and it is known in Spanish as jamon Iberico. This is one of the most decadent cured meats in Europe, and it is popular with connoisseurs worldwide; let’s find out why. Read on and learn more about Spanish Iberian ham. If you want to try the delicacy, don’t browse for ‘Spanish ham near me; ’ we are suppliers!

Not All Ham Is Created Equal

Every culture worldwide has some cured meat. So, why is Spanish ham unique? The secret is in the country itself and its climate.

Spain is an arid, hilly country, and it is in the highlands where the conditions are right to air-dry ham legs as people have done for centuries. The tradition might go back to Ancient Rome!

A Spanish ham leg is on another level for its historical significance, the quality of the local pigs and the talent of the artisan Spanish ham makers. Iberico ham from Spain is utterly unique.

The Secret Behind Iberian Ham

Making Iberian ham is no easy feat — it’s a lengthy, labor-intensive process, and that’s part of the jamon Iberico ham’s success. For starters, producers can use only meat from selected types of pigs to make Iberico ham — ideally, free-roaming Iberico pigs.

After the pigs are processed, their legs are salt-cured with sea salt one day for every kilo of meat; they are washed and hung to dry.

Hams can spend between 3-9 months hanging before being sent to a cellar, where they can age for up to four years! Only 10% of all ham made in Spain is authentic Iberico ham.

Types of Iberian Ham

Although maturation is critical in determining the type of ham, the most significant difference between expensive Iberico jamon and affordable one has to do with what the pigs eat.

The finest Iberico Ham legs are labeled bellota and are made with ham fed exclusively with acorns. They label ham from pigs that feed on acorns and other feedstuffs as Cebo de Campo, while those that only consume fodder are labeled as Cebo Iberico. The Iberian ham price can vary, but the most expensive varieties are certainly ten times tastier than the least costly hams.

Treat Yourself to Authentic Iberian Ham

Now that you know more about why connoisseurs love Iberico ham, it’s time to treat yourself to the delicacy. Order an Iberico ham leg and call friends for a lovely dinner party. And if you need Iberico ham recipes or ideas about what Iberico ham to buy, explore our site. We’re here to help.

Spanish Iberian ham is larger than life and up there with the most exciting foods worldwide. The best part? Spanish ham is available to everyone, so why not try it? Iberico ham will change the way you see Spanish food forever.

December 20, 2022 — franco salzillo
Why is Spanish chorizo so popular?

Why is Spanish chorizo so popular?

Let's talk about Spanish chorizo and why it is considered the best in the world. Spanish chorizo is one of the best products derived from pork, considered number 1 for its extraordinary quality and a wide variety of sausages. Chorizo is made from the meat of this animal, the pig, using lean meat, pork fat, paprika, salt and other different spices depending on the area and the type of chorizo.

Both the meat and the fat or bacon, once minced, are mixed with paprika, salt and different spices and stuffed into the intestine, although in some types another type of artificial casing is used to stuff it. Subsequently, it is subjected to different procedures for its preservation, which also give rise to different types of chorizo.

Thus, although a similar process is followed in the elaboration of chorizo, there are numerous variants that are used to give a unique touch to each type of chorizo, which is why before choosing the chorizo of your preference, you should know some variants.

White chorizo or Iberian chorizo?
In our previous blogs we have told you a little about the Iberian pig and all its advantages over other pigs - if you still don't know about it I invite you to visit our Blogs section - so it is not surprising that the best chorizo is the one from the Iberian pig, but let's learn more.
Serrano chorizo comes from different types by geographical areas, such as chorizo from Leon, chorizo from Asturias, chorizo from Pamplona with its delicious chistorra from Navarra and other geographical areas. These Spanish chorizos can be found in the form of chorizo de sarta and chorizo de herradura, as is the case of chorizo de revilla.

On the other hand, Iberian chorizo is usually found in the form of chorizo cular or chorizo vela. The main geographical areas with Denomination of Origin where Iberian chorizos are produced are: Guijuelo, Jabugo, Los Pedroches and Extremadura. Depending on the breed of pig, we can find chorizo ibérico de cebo, chorizo ibérico de cebo de campo, chorizo ibérico de bellota and chorizo de pata negra.

Another aspect that will determine the price and quality is the amount of fat added to the Spanish chorizo. It should be taken into account that the more fat added to the chorizo, the lower its selling price, but also its flavor and quality.
Chorizo Ibérico

Sweet chorizo or spicy chorizo?
The difference between these chorizos lies in the paprika used in the preparation, for example, the sweet chorizo is made with sweet or spicy paprika, while the spicy chorizo is made with sweet and sour or hot paprika, to which ground cayenne is added to increase its spiciness.

Chorizo according to the product's finishing process
There are three categories of chorizo according to the finishing process: fresh chorizo, cured chorizo and smoked chorizo.
Fresh Chorizo is roasted or grilled and after being stuffed, it is simply subjected to an "oreo" process that produces a very soft drying. This Spanish chorizo is made to be eaten cooked, fried, barbecued or added to other stews, as a complement and to add its flavor. This fried chorizo is delicious. The slaughtering of the pig, or matanza del cochino, which is done in some places, results in a chorizo de pueblo, a delicious homemade chorizo.

Cured Chorizo or Chorizo Seco, undergoes a curing process by air-drying for a few months. It is usually consumed raw, without previous cooking, cut in slices, in appetizers, sandwiches, etc. Due to the way it is cured, it can be kept for long periods of time in dry environments and is one of the most appreciated ways of preparing chorizo.

Finally, there is the Smoked Chorizo, or Smoke Cured Chorizo, which consists of subjecting the chorizo, after stuffing, to a curing process with smoke. This type of curing is mainly used in areas where the humidity does not allow air-drying, since this humidity would spoil the chorizo. It also allows long periods of conservation of the finished product.

Chorizo iberico

Curious fact
If you do not eat meat or are in the process of becoming a vegan, we recommend the Vegan Chorizo known as Calabizo.
If you are watching your figure and trying to exclude meat, fats or certain foods from pork from your diet, we recommend turkey chorizo, its flavor and texture is totally different, but it is an incredible option for your diet.

December 12, 2022 — Carolina Gomez