Spanish Ham or Jamon, Iberico Bellota, Paleta Iberrico , Serrano, Pata Negra. What is what?
It's a bit confusing, let me try and explain the difference between the various Spanish hams we now have available. We'll start at the top. Iberico Bellota, made exclusively from the acorn munching free range "Pata Negra" (Black foot)Iberico pig. Its the hind leg of the animal and is cured for up to 36 months. It is the Rolls Royce of Jamon, with a price tag to match. Paleta Iberico, again, made exclusively from the Iberico pig, this time from the front leg. Same curing process as the Bellota, more bang for your buck, but still fairly pricey. Jamon Serrano, the most widely available Jamon, made from white pigs in the traditonal way and absolutely delicious. Check it out, Go here for more, type in Jamon then press search by description