Spanish ham, or jamón, is renowned as the finest ham in the world. Jamón Ibérico, in particular, is Spain’s crown jewel, with the pinnacle being Ibérico de Bellota. This extraordinary ham comes from the Iberian pig, which is fed a diet of acorns, giving it a distinctive, rich flavor. Ibérico de Bellota is celebrated for its savory depth and buttery texture that practically melts in your mouth. The meat is beautifully marbled with healthy fats, including oleic acid — a monounsaturated fat known for its heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory benefits. The pigs are affectionately called "walking olive trees" because their fat is almost as beneficial as extra virgin olive oil.
My husband, Pierre, first discovered Ibérico de Bellota during a work trip to Spain. After his first bite, he said he had a tear in his eye. It was that good. I immediately set out to find where to buy it online.
Ibérico ham is available from distributors like Jamon.com or on Amazon. While it may seem pricey at first, when you compare it to the cost of fast food or a meal at a chain restaurant, investing in this premium ingredient is invaluable for its exceptional taste, health benefits, and cost-effectiveness. For about $15 per person, you can create a gourmet four-course meal in minutes with minimal effort. Serve a few slices as the main dish, paired with a vinaigrette salad as a first course, followed by a French cheese course, and finish with fresh fruit for dessert.
Ibérico ham is perfect any time of year, but it also makes an exceptional gift — whether for a holiday or a birthday. It’s an experience that everyone will enjoy, and you’ll appreciate how effortlessly it elevates your meals. I buy an Ibérico ham for my husband every year for his birthday or the holidays. It’s a treat for the whole family, offering 20-30 easy meals — or more — for the price of just one or two nice meals out.
You can learn more about Ibérico ham and order it on Jamon.com or Amazon.
Melon and Prosciutto and Iberico
Melon Prosciutto Arugula Salad
