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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 at the least a number of Jamón Ibérico experiences.
Fortunately, the capital of Catalonia is stuffed with eating places, tapas bars, eating places, and different culinary establishments providing it on full show. A couple of even provide takeaway or the choice to have some shipped residence when your tour of Barcelona is over.
What Makes Jamón Ibérico So Particular?
Picture credit score: Zachary Leech licensed beneath Attribution 2.0 Generic
Jamón Ibérico is one in all Spain’s most prized culinary treasures. This specialty-cured ham is understood around the globe for its wealthy taste, delicate marbling, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Jamón Ibérico undergoes an extended and cautious curing course of, usually lasting as much as 36 months or extra, permitting the flavors to develop and focus. Knowledgeable jamón carvers use conventional hand-slicing methods to create skinny, nearly 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 constructed from a particular breed of black Iberian pigs recognized for his or her means to retailer fats inside their muscle.
The best high quality jamón Ibérico de bellota comes from pigs that roam freely and feed on acorns (bellota) over the last months of their life. This provides the meat a signature nutty sweetness.
Prime Locations to Strive Jamón Ibérico in Barcelona
Barcelona is residence to tons of nice locations for jamón Ibérico, together with franchises like Enrique Tomás. Nevertheless, I believe the next provide slightly one thing particular.
Reserva Ibérica
Picture credit score: Reserva Ibérica
Situated in Barcelona’s elegant L’Eixample district, Reserva Ibérica is each a high-end ham store and tasting area devoted to premium jamón. I believe the only option right here is their curated tasting plate that includes numerous jamón Ibérico varieties that showcase totally different areas and diets.
The standard is outstanding, and I appreciated how the employees rigorously guided me by way of 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
Picture 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 believe 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 believe 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
Picture credit score: Can Ros
Strolling by way of the beachy Barceloneta neighborhood, you’d be forgiven for considering that Can Ros is barely a seafood restaurant. Whereas their menu is actually seafood-centric, this tapas restaurant’s secret gem is their wonderful jamón Ibérico de bellota.
It’s sourced straight from high producers and sometimes 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 this present day.
Can Ros (€€€) – Carrer d’Emília Llorca Martín, 7, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
The place to Purchase Jamón Ibérico to Take House
Picture credit score: Enrique Tomás
If you wish to deliver residence a style of Spain, Barcelona has loads of specialty retailers and gourmand shops that promote high-quality jamón Ibérico, usually vacuum-sealed for straightforward transport.
Search for respected retailers like Enrique Tomás or Reserva Ibérica, the place employees can information you thru differing kinds corresponding to jamón Ibérico de bellota (acorn-fed) or cebo (grain-fed). Market stalls at Mercat de la Boqueria or Mercat de Sant Antoni additionally provide wonderful choices. Simply ensure to at all times ask if they will vacuum-seal your buy for journey.
When shopping for jamón Ibérico, test for the black label, which signifies the best high quality bellota grade. It’s additionally clever to ask the seller concerning the getting old course of or area of origin for the perfect taste. Don’t be afraid to request a pattern or get recommendation on the best way to retailer and slice it correctly when you’re residence.
Pairing Jamón Ibérico with Native Flavors
Jamón Ibérico pairs fantastically with basic Spanish flavors like pan con tomate (toasted bread with tomato) and aged Manchego cheese. All of which go completely with a glass of daring purple wine like Muga Reserva Rioja, Pago de Carraovejasor, or a crisp glass of cava.
Many tapas bars and wine-focused eating places in Barcelona provide curated tasting menus or jamón and wine pairing boards for a full-flavored expertise. But you possibly can simply as simply go to a neighborhood market or gourmand store, choose 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.
Remaining 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 gradual artwork of meals executed properly.
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, hunt down 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 specialists. 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/
