Serrano Ham – what is it??
Jamón serrano is the name of the most common type of Spanish ham. In fact, it makes up 93% of all ham production in Spain! You’ll see it in supermarkets, on bar menus, and eat it as a snack or on a sandwich. It’s simple and tasty, but it’s the least special kind of ham. If this is the only ham you eat while you’re in Spain, you’ve done yourself a disservice!
But while it may be considered the lower-level, everyday Spanish ham, quality (and price) can vary quite a bit.
So just what is Jamón Serrano, and why is it different from Iberian ham?
White Pigs (Cerdos Blancos)
Serrano ham comes from pigs with the oh-so-inventive name of “white pigs”.
If you picture a pig, you’re picturing a cerdo blanco. These pink animals are a common sight throughout the world, and the breed is usually Landrace, Large White, Duroc, or Pietrain. They were purpose-bred for industry, suited for mass-production of pork.
You might be thinking, if the pig’s pink, why is it a “white pig”? Aside from being much paler than their Iberian cousins, the proof is in the hoof. These pigs have white or light brown hooves. Look for it the next time you’re in a Spanish bar! (The hoof is always kept on the leg at the bar! It’s the quickest way to tell the quality of the ham, so make sure to seek it out).
Chilled Product
