The five best Iberian hams

One of the delicacies that we can boast of in our gastronomy is Iberian ham, from pigs raised free in pastures, and fed on acorns, something that gives them the difference from the rest. There is no appetizer, meal or celebration where a plate of ham does not appear, and it is the key to the exquisite Mediterranean diet. For ham lovers, there are several types that deserve recognition. These are the five best Iberian hams.

Arturo Sanchez. Sign up for two vintages: 2010 and 2014. The first is already on sale and the second is launched in three years. Two seasons in which there was a splendid montanera and which translates into the hyper-excellence of these top hams from Arturo Sánchez (DO Guijuelo), specialized in ‘crianza’ Iberian hams.

Prepared according to an artisan tradition that dates back to 1917, the third generation of this family business monitors the 100% Iberian pigs, from the pasture (in the northern mountains of Seville and Extremadura) to the table, with a high level of of demand. Quality and more quality (wonderful infiltration, aromatic…) in some hams always matured in natural cellars: Gran Reserva (40 months of curing), Reserva (36 months) and Cebo, with 30 months. And the Premium 2005, with 120 exclusive and numbered pieces. A real luxury from 195 (bait) or 325 euros (Bellota Gran Reserva) for an 8-kilo piece. Without forgetting the ARTURO SANCHEZ Pure Acorn-fed Iberico Ham, the “star of the house” for 450 euros per piece.

Five Jacks. This ham house has its origins 130 years ago. Its secret is none other than the purity of the breed, which in all these years has not been crossed, in addition to the breeding of the pig in freedom, in the Dehesa of the Peninsular Southwest, in Sierra Morena, and a diet based solely on acorns . The price for a ham of about six kilos is approximately 450 euros, and for an Iberian shoulder of between 4 and 5 kilos, about 140 euros.

Joselito great reserve. A fine leg ham, cured for 36 months, from pigs raised in the pastures and fed on fruits of the field, for this reason, they themselves assure that they depend on the weather. They do not contain preservatives, gluten or lactose, and their color ranges from intense red to pink. A mild-flavoured ham, which expert chefs such as Ferrán Adriá consider one of the best on the market. The price of a 7 kilo ham can range between 450 and 530 euros.

Sanchez Romero Carvajal. With more than 130 years old, this ham house from Huelva cares for and pampers the pigs in an exquisite way, measuring each one of their steps and trying to get the animals to adapt to routines of good nutrition and a healthy life, such as walking daily, in addition to maintaining the purity of the breed. The price is approximately 300 euros for a 7 kilo ham.

Pedro Nieto. From the Guijuelo Denomination of Origin, these hams are made after a long process, which together with the climate, terrain, temperature and technological innovations achieve a rich ham while maintaining the traditional distinguishing quality of flavor and colour, pinkish and with the golden fat The price of a 7 kilo ham is approximately 300 euros.