Slicing and Caring for Jamón Serrano

Jamón Serrano ham is the culinary treasure of Spain. Spaniards enjoy more ham per person than anyone in the world. A whole jamon can be stored in your kitchen and used daily as tapas or in recipes. It is also a great conversation piece for parties and get-togethers.

Slicing Serrano Ham

To enjoy the flavor and authentic texture of a fine jamon serrano, slice the ham with a long sharp knife in the following order: first the rump half (1), then the rump end (2), and lastly the shank (3).

Remove the layer of fat from the top and the sides until the meat is exposed. Trim the fat as you slice. Cut small, very thin slices. Slice downwards with your free hand behind the knife.

Storage

Store bone-in jamon in a cool ventilated place, either in a holder or hung by the rope provided. Always cover the sliced area with plastic wrap to preserve freshness and moisture. The first slice should be discarded if the meat has been exposed for some time.

Store your boneless jamón in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic. Boneless hams can be divided into pieces, or can be sliced on an electrical slicer. Serve the jamon at room temperature.

Jamón Appearance

Mold: A thin layer of mold may appear on whole hams. This penicillin-like mold is completely harmless. It can be removed with a clean, damp cloth or with a cloth and olive oil.

Small white spots (thyroxine): These are small "chalky" granules that form between the muscle fibers during the curing process. They vary in shape, size and location. They are amino acids found in aged meat and cheese products and are perfectly safe to eat.

Iridescent colouring: This colouring can be seen on the cut surface of the ham and in certain parts of the meat. The colouring sometimes has a metallic appearance. It is insignificant as far as the quality of the ham is concerned.

Salt: Sometimes saline precipitates may form on the surface of the ham in dry conditions. This inorganic salt does not affect the flavor of jamon and can be brushed or wiped away.

White film: This may be seen on the cut surface of whole or boneless hams. The film is mostly thyroxine (same as the white spots). Simply discard the discolored slice.

Fat: Whole hams tend to be rather fatty, which protects the meat and helps it keep longer.

Jamón cutting utensils

Serrano Ham Holder

(Some Assembly Required)

Jamon holders are essential for presenting and slicing a whole ham. These ham stands are built solidly, crafted from wood and stainless steel, built for years of use. Easily assembled with included wrench.

Jamon Carving Set with Sharpener Aluminum Handles & Presentation Box

Size: 10 inch blade

A razor sharp knife is essential for carving fine Serrano ham, as each slice should be wafer thin. This set includes an aluminum handled, fire hardened stainless steel knife especially designed for Jamon serrano. Also included is a sharpening steel for keeping the knife in top condition. All packaged in a wooden presentation box. Include one with any of our imported Serrano hams and enjoy perfectly sliced Jamon every time.

Jamon Serving Platter Hand Made & Hand Painted

Size:7.5 x 13.5 inch

From the land of Jamon Iberico comes this ham serving platter, custom made for La Tienda.

Featured on this hand-painted platter are an Iberian pig and the acorns from the oak forests where they live. Each platter is a unique work of art painted by artisans in Puente de Arzobispo. They are lead free and safe for serving food. What a great way to serve your Jamon!

Slicing and Caring for Jamón Serrano

Slicing Serrano Ham

Storage

Jamón Appearance

Jamón cutting utensils

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