A Slice of Heaven
Spanish ham, or jamón in Spanish, is considered the best type of ham in the world. Jamon Iberico is the pride of Spain, with the finest variety being Iberico de Bellota, which comes from the Iberian pig. The pigs are fed a diet of acorns, giving the meat its distinctive flavor.
Iberico de Bellota is known for its rich, savory flavor and buttery texture that almost melts in your mouth. The meat is marbled with healthy fats, including oleic acid, which is a type of monounsaturated fat that has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving heart health. The pigs are sometimes called walking olive trees because their fat is nearly as healthy as extra virgin olive oil.
My husband Pierre discovered Iberico de Bellota while on a work trip to Spain. He said that, after the first taste, he had a tear in his eye. It was that good. I immediately searched to find out where to buy it online.
You can find Iberico ham through distributors at Jamon.com or on Amazon. While this ham may seem pricey, when you compare the cost of fast food or a meal at a chain restaurant, investing in a fine ingredient like Spanish ham is a no-brainer. Serve this delicacy as your main dish paired with a salad for the first course, followed by bread and cheese, then fruit for dessert. For $15 or less per person, it makes a wonderful menu and an effortless meal without cooking.
Any time of year is a great time to enjoy Iberico ham. Just pair this with a few simple courses, like a vinaigrette salad for the first course, then serve the Iberico ham. After the ham, serve a French cheese course and then fruit for dessert. You will have a gourmet four-course meal in minutes with minimal effort.
Iberico ham is also a unique and practical family holiday gift or for a birthday. Everyone will enjoy the experience of trying something new, and you will enjoy making exquisite meals without much effort. I buy an Iberico ham for my husband once a year for his birthday or the holidays. It's a treat for the whole family and provides 20-30 easy meals or more for the price of one or two nice meals out. In the end, it's a deal.
You can learn more about Iberico ham and order it on Jamon.com or on Amazon.
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