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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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