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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
©
Copyright 2008 Orce Serrano Hams - www.orceserranohams.com
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