Introduction
Iberian ham is one of the most appreciated products of Spanish gastronomy, known for its unique flavor and delicate texture. However, to enjoy it at its best, it is crucial to know how to properly preserve it. Incorrect storage can affect its flavor and texture, causing it to lose some of its quality over time. In this article, we will offer you some essential tips to preserve your ham optimally, ensuring that you can enjoy its flavor for longer, even after you have started cutting it. From using the ham holder to how to wrap the slices to preserve their freshness, we explain the best practices to keep your ham in perfect condition.
💡 Did you know?
The ham creates mold in the curing stage, since it loses the interior moisture through the outer layer very slowly and favors the growth of molds on the external face of the ham. This mold is not harmful, and our advice for cleaning mold from ham is to wipe it with a cloth with sunflower oil so that it does not affect the flavor of the product.
Preserve Iberian Ham
- To preserve Iberian hamand keep it in optimal conditions, it is essential to follow some tips to preserve this delicate product. Once started, you should store it in a cool, dry place. It is advisable to store the ham in the ham holder, hanging by the hoof to prevent it from drying out. If you have cut slices, you can cover the exposed part with cotton mesh or a clean cloth, and apply a little sunflower oil to maintain moisture. This way, you can enjoy its flavor for longer.
It is also important to know how to preserve a cut ham, since exposure to air can affect its quality. In this case, it is recommended to wrap it well and store it in the refrigerator. If you want to preserve the ham once it has been started, make sure to cover it properly so that it does not oxidize.
Tricks to preserve a ham well at home
Preserving a ham well at home is essential to be able to enjoy this delicacy for longer. To keep the ham in optimal condition, it is essential to know how to preserve the ham after starting it.
Use a Ham Holder
The best option to keep an open shoulder or ham at home in optimal conditions is to place it on a ham stand, either horizontal or vertical. This type of support is useful not only for preservation, but also for cutting. In a simple way, you can cut exactly what you need. Make sure you choose the right size based on the size of the ham leg or select an intermediate size that allows you to place different pieces.
On our website you can find ham holders starting at 19.90 euros, so the cost should not be a problem. If you usually have a ham at home frequently throughout the year, it is best to invest a little more in the support. Experts indicate that the best supports are the swiveling or tilting ones, as they allow the ham to be rotated easily and facilitate the slicing process.
Place the Hoof down
Place the ham on the support with the hoof facing down. Typically, the hoof is placed upwards to ensure that the juiciest part is cut first and save the stifle, which is the driest meat, for last. However, if you do not plan to consume it within a month and want to keep it for longer, it is advisable to do the opposite.
By placing the hoof down and starting to cut from the stifle, the juiciest meat will stay fresher and last longer.
Save the slices from the first cuts
If you are lucky enough to have a quality ham, it is essential to know how to preserve ham so that it does not lose its qualities. When cutting it, be sure to save the slices from the first cuts. To preserve the cut ham, the ideal is to vacuum pack it or use paper that allows adequate hydration.
When opening the leg of ham, it is advisable to reserve the first slices you cut, those that contain a good amount of fat. Then, you must use them to cover the last cut made. By using them as a lid on the freshly cut ham, you will be able to keep it moist, preventing the shoulder or leg from losing its flavor.
Placing that bacon on the ham after cutting it prevents the surface from being exposed to air and slows down its oxidation. If you see mold on the surface, don't be alarmed. You can remove that moldy part and continue enjoying the rest.
The ham at room temperature:
As for temperature, the ideal is for your ham leg to be at room temperature, in a cool, dry place, away from direct light, whether natural or halogen lamps. In addition, it is important to avoid exposing it to sudden changes in temperature.
If you have a cellar or closet with interior storage space, you can hang it on a hook. However, since most homes do not have these options, it is best to keep it directly in the ham holder and cover it to preserve its quality.
In any case, you should not store it in the refrigerator or refrigerator. What is essential is to cover it with a mesh or cotton cloth, to keep it as dark as possible.
If you think it will take a long time to consume the leg, you can choose to cut it and vacuum pack it to prolong its conservation. It is suggested to do it in portions of 100 grams, which are more common for consumption. In this case, it is necessary to refrigerate it and you can take out what you need whenever you want. If you prefer ham in pieces, a good option is to cut it that way and always have it in the refrigerator ready to eat.
Try not to make these mistakes:
- In addition to cutting the part that you are going to consume, placing the leg on its support, monitoring the temperature of the environment and covering it to keep it in the dark and allow perspiration, there are certain actions that you should avoid if you want to keep the shoulder or leg of ham in optimal conditions without altering its qualities and characteristics.
- It is not advisable to moisten the paw with fat of any kind or olive oil. This will only cause a change in its flavor.
- On the other hand, never wrap it with plastic or transparent film. Keep in mind that this is an organic product that needs to sweat and breathe, so the best options for wrapping it are cotton mesh or a kitchen towel. Using cotton will prevent insects from affecting it and will allow it to breathe.
