Iberian Ham Tapas: An Unparalleled Delicacy at My Way
Tapas are, without a doubt, one of the most representative dishes of Spanish cuisine. In cities like Barcelona, you can find delicious combinations of small plates featuring the best ingredients for snacking. Olives, octopus, Manchego cheese, patatas bravas, prawns, croquettes, squid, peppers, and eggs are just some of the magnificent options to whet your appetite and delight in good company. However, one tapa stands above the rest: Iberian ham.
Ham has always been a cornerstone of Spanish gastronomy, perfected over history to achieve the exquisite quality we enjoy today. In this article, discover its history and five unique curiosities about this delicacy.
The Myth of Ham’s Discovery
Historically, it is known that the Phoenicians used pigs as a form of trade with various Mediterranean civilizations. According to ancient texts, the salting techniques for ham originate from the Romans, who discovered this process by accident.
The story goes that a pig from a herd fell into a salt vat, and when it drowned, the farmers decided not to waste the animal and tried its meat. To their surprise, the flavor was unique. This unfortunate accident also taught them to use salt for food preservation, marking the beginning of this ancient technique.
Ham and Religion
In the Middle Ages, as Christianity spread across Europe, pork became a distinctive symbol for believers compared to Muslims, who are prohibited from consuming it. To avoid misunderstandings with the Spanish Inquisition, citizens used ham to demonstrate their faith.
This practice became ingrained, and to this day, in some towns in Catalonia, hams are hung near windows as a tradition. Additionally, in places like the Monastery of Santa María de Poblet in Tarragona, salted ham was used to test if the land was suitable for construction. If the ham cured well, the site was deemed ideal.
The Industrial Expansion of Ham
With the Industrial Revolution, the production and preservation methods of Iberian ham were refined, thanks to advances in pig genetics and new production techniques. This allowed ham to become more accessible to the general public.
A century later, the consumption of ham became even more standardized, as farms evolved into industrial plants that facilitated mass production, enabling more people to enjoy this prized food.
Designations of Origin
To protect the authenticity of Iberian ham, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture established designations of origin that guarantee its quality. The main designations are:
- Guijuelo
- Pedroches
- Extremadura
- Jabugo
Currently, Iberian ham holds the Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG) distinction, granted by the European Union, which protects the authenticity of traditional products from member countries.
The Japanese Word of Power
In Japanese vocabulary, there is a term that describes the experience of savoring good ham: Umami. This word, derived from “umai” and “mi” (delicious), denotes a special taste that goes beyond sweet, bitter, or salty.
This term was introduced by Professor Kikunae Ikeda, a renowned Japanese chemist who discovered that monosodium glutamate is responsible for the umami taste, highlighting the depth of flavors like those found in Iberian ham.
Is Iberian Ham Healthy?
Iberian ham is an excellent source of vitamins B1, B6, and B12, which strengthen the nervous system and immune defenses. It is also rich in minerals such as iron, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium.
Since ancient times, its benefits have been well-known. Hippocrates, the Greek physician, recommended ham to his patients to speed up recovery. Similarly, in the Middle Ages, some monasteries offered ham to pilgrims for its high nutritional value.
And don’t forget that at our lounge restaurant, you can enjoy exquisite Iberian ham. Come and experience an unforgettable night of tapas in an elegant setting in the heart of Barcelona, Sinatra-style.