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Jamón Ibérico provides a quintessential style of Spain. To the purpose that one may argue that no Barcelona meals tour is full with out no less than just a few Jamón Ibérico experiences.

Fortunately, the capital of Catalonia is crammed with eating places, tapas bars, eating places, and different culinary establishments providing it on full show. A number of even supply takeaway or the choice to have some shipped house when your tour of Barcelona is over. 

What Makes Jamón Ibérico So Particular?

Photograph credit score: Zachary Leech licensed beneath Attribution 2.0 Generic

Jamón Ibérico is one among Spain’s most prized culinary treasures. This specialty-cured ham is thought world wide for its wealthy taste, delicate marbling, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Jamón Ibérico undergoes a protracted and cautious curing course of, usually lasting as much as 36 months or extra, permitting the flavors to develop and focus. Professional jamón carvers use conventional hand-slicing strategies to create skinny, virtually translucent slices, enhancing its luxurious texture.

The extra widespread jamón serrano comes from white pigs and is usually cured for a shorter time. Whereas jamón Ibérico is constituted of a particular breed of black Iberian pigs identified for his or her capacity to retailer fats inside their muscle.

The very best high quality jamón Ibérico de bellota comes from pigs that roam freely and feed on acorns (bellota) over the past months of their life. This provides the meat a signature nutty sweetness.

High Locations to Strive Jamón Ibérico in Barcelona

Barcelona is house to tons of nice locations for jamón Ibérico, together with franchises like Enrique Tomás. Nevertheless, I feel the next supply slightly one thing particular.

Reserva Ibérica

Photograph credit score: Reserva Ibérica

Positioned in Barcelona’s elegant L’Eixample district, Reserva Ibérica is each a high-end ham store and tasting house devoted to premium jamón. I feel the only option right here is their curated tasting plate that includes varied jamón Ibérico varieties that showcase totally different areas and diets.

The standard is phenomenal, and I appreciated how the workers fastidiously guided me by the flavors and textures. It’s greatest to cease by on weekdays earlier than the night rush for a extra customized tasting expertise.

Reserva Ibérica (€€€) – Rambla de Catalunya, 61, Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain.

Casa Alfonso

Photograph credit score: Casa Alfonso

Casa Alfonso is an enthralling, family-run tapas bar in Eixample that has been serving locals and vacationers since 1934. Whereas they provide a variety of Spanish dishes, I feel the star of their menu is their Jamón Ibérico de Bellota.

It’s served with conventional Catalan tomato bread (pa amb tomàquet). Sitting amongst the country decor, wood barrels, and old-world décor, I felt transported again in time. I feel it’s greatest to point out up for an early dinner on a weekday to catch this vibe and savor the Jamón Ibérico de Bellota as a tapa earlier than dinner service picks up.

Casa Alfonso (€€€) – Carrer de Roger de Llúria, 6, L’Eixample, 08010 Barcelona, Spain. 

Can Ros

Photograph credit score: Can Ros

Strolling by the beachy Barceloneta neighborhood, you’d be forgiven for pondering that Can Ros is just a seafood restaurant. Whereas their menu is actually seafood-centric, this tapas restaurant’s secret gem is their glorious jamón Ibérico de bellota.

It’s sourced immediately from prime producers and infrequently served merely with rustic bread and olive oil. Savoring it with a seaside vibe made for a really distinct reminiscence that lingers within the corners of my thoughts to today.  

Can Ros (€€€) – Carrer d’Emília Llorca Martín, 7, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.

The place to Purchase Jamón Ibérico to Take Residence

Photograph credit score: Enrique Tomás

If you wish to carry house a style of Spain, Barcelona has loads of specialty outlets and gourmand shops that promote high-quality jamón Ibérico, usually vacuum-sealed for straightforward transport.

Search for respected outlets like Enrique Tomás or Reserva Ibérica, the place workers can information you thru differing types resembling jamón Ibérico de bellota (acorn-fed) or cebo (grain-fed). Market stalls at Mercat de la Boqueria or Mercat de Sant Antoni additionally supply glorious choices. Simply make certain to at all times ask if they will vacuum-seal your buy for journey.

When shopping for jamón Ibérico, examine for the black label, which signifies the very best high quality bellota grade. It’s additionally sensible to ask the seller concerning the growing older course of or area of origin for the very best taste. Don’t be afraid to request a pattern or get recommendation on learn how to retailer and slice it correctly when you’re house.

Pairing Jamón Ibérico with Native Flavors

Jamón Ibérico pairs fantastically with traditional Spanish flavors like pan con tomate (toasted bread with tomato) and aged Manchego cheese. All of which go completely with a glass of daring pink wine like Muga Reserva Rioja, Pago de Carraovejasor, or a crisp glass of cava.

Many tapas bars and wine-focused eating places in Barcelona supply curated tasting menus or jamón and wine pairing boards for a full-flavored expertise. But you could possibly simply as simply go to an area market or gourmand store, decide up some jamón, cheese, olives, and bread, and luxuriate in a relaxed picnic at Parc de la Ciutadella or alongside the beachfront for a memorable local-style meal.

Last Ideas: The Jamón Ibérico Expertise in Barcelona

Jamón Ibérico is way over only a savory deal with to attempt a couple of times on a Barcelona meals tour. It’s a real expression of Spanish heritage and craftsmanship. Tasting this delicacy provides a connection to custom, area, and the sluggish artwork of meals achieved nicely.

Whether or not loved in a bustling market, a family-run tapas bar, or at a guided tasting expertise, jamón Ibérico invitations vacationers to decelerate and savor a chunk of native tradition.

For an unforgettable expertise, search out carving demonstrations, go to neighborhood charcuterías, or discover off-the-beaten-path spots the place locals collect. It’s not simply concerning the taste. It’s concerning the story behind each slice.

Sources:

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Barcelona meals excursions. https://www.eatingeurope.com/barcelona/

Enrique Tomás. (n.d.). Enrique Tomás – The ham consultants. https://enriquetomas.com/en-eu/

Reserva Ibérica. (n.d.). Reserva Ibérica Rambla. https://rambla.reservaiberica.com/es_es/

Casa Alfonso. (n.d.). Casa Alfonso – Tapas y tradición desde 1934. http://www.casaalfonso.com/

Mercat de la Boqueria. (n.d.). La Boqueria: El mercat més emblemàtic de Barcelona. https://www.boqueria.barcelona/

Can Ros. (n.d.). Can Ros – Restaurant a la Barceloneta. http://www.canros.cat/