BchrisL
Senior Cook
JAMÓN IBERICO in finally available in the United States. It is reputed to be the best ham in the world. The pigs, raised in Spain, are free range and feed on acorns which makes for excellent marbeling in the meat. The ham has not been available until recently because of USDA regulations about the curing process.
They can be purchased here, link, but I am sure there are other places in the country selling this ham. This is not cheap, but if you demand the absolute best ham in the world, well here it is!
In the bulking-up stage each fall, the pigs feast on 15 to 20 pounds of acorns or 'bellotas' per day. This allows them to gain as much as 2 pounds of body weight daily. The consistent exercise they enjoy as they forage in a free-range atmosphere is essential to the final quality of the hams.
They can be purchased here, link, but I am sure there are other places in the country selling this ham. This is not cheap, but if you demand the absolute best ham in the world, well here it is!