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Iberico
Ham Feria
Iberico
ham ~ jamon iberico ~ pata negra ham
The
county of Los Pedroches can be found in the region of Cordoba
in Southern Spain. Cordoba is famous for its Iberian pigs
and subsequent Iberico hams. The area has been granted the
quality seal "Denominacion de Origen" in itself,
certainly where Iberian hams are concerned, one the highest
standard of seals achievable. As such, hams from Cordoba
are among the finest quality, cured hams in Spain.
What
sets the region of Cordoba apart from other areas which
also breed Iberian pigs and cure Iberico hams is that the
"dehesas" have a larger number and concentration
of oaks and cork oak trees in Spain. Of course oaks produce
acorns (bellotas) which are the primary food source of the
Iberian pigs that produce the finest hams; the result is
grazing pastures rich in acorns which are of the highest
quality. There are of course other pastures in Spain but
it is Cordoba which produces the superior acorn. Extraordinary
how such a small nut can make such a difference.
Moreover,
for many years now other areas in Spain which also produce
Iberian hams such as Guijuelo, Huelva and Extremadura used
to purchase their pigs for production directly from the
Los Pedroches county. This still happens to this day although
less so than in previous years.
The
finest quality remains with Los Pedroches and rightly so
as the county has been awarded a new designation of origin
stamp. Speaking to our supplier at Pedroches he has, ever
since we entered the Iberian ham market, insisted that "Our
goal is not more sales, or the largest number of hams produced,
our goal is undoubtedly the best quality in the market".
Iberico
Ham Feria
Each
year "Villanueva de Cordoba" hosts its annual
feria or fair. An increasingly popular prestigious event
among the public, local businesses including retailers and
exporters. Numbers increase every year with 2009 seeing
over 7,000 visitors to experience all things "Jamon
Iberico".
One
of the most eagerly awaited spectacles is the ham carving
demonstrations and competition. Professionals from all over
the region take part bidding to be the best, actually a
little like masterchef, same incredibly high standards but
just working with Iberian ham. Its not all just about the
slices and presentation, the legs themselves are judged
too.
The
winner automatically qualifies for the National competition
. . . difficult to see how standards could be raised any
higher but they will be up against the very best in Spain.
The quality of carving is naturally at the highest level,
presentation of the wafer thin ham slices requires skill
and a good degree of artistic flair! Iberian ham being mottled
with fat can create some very impressive displays indeed,
make no mistake you could not do this with slices of Serrano
ham.
Below
we have some outstanding examples of Iberian ham carving
and presentation.
The
world's finest ham demands a premium, considering the unique
breed, slow production and sheer quality. One thing to consider
though when purchasing an Iberico ham - has it come from
Los Pedroches? If not then the chances are there is strain
from the areas prime Iberian hogs in there somewhere.
Discover
Los Pedroches Iberian hams >>>
©
Copyright 2009 Orce Serrano Hams - www.orceserranohams.com
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