Iberian ham is a gastronomic product native to our land, with a flavor, aroma, and texture that set it apart from any other food in the world. To fully enjoy it, you not only need to buy it at its best quality but also preserve it properly so that it does not lose its characteristics. At Enrique Tomás, as the ham enthusiasts that we are, we want you to enjoy it as if it were freshly sliced, which is why we are going to explain in this video how to vacuum-pack and preserve Iberian ham.
You will see how easy it is!
How to Preserve Vacuum-Sealed Iberian Ham While Still Closed
Vacuum sealing is a preservation process that consists of removing all the air from inside the packaging using vacuum pumps to extend the shelf life of food. Thanks to the absence of oxygen, the food does not oxidize as quickly and, therefore, lasts longer. In the case of cured meats, such as Iberian cebo ham or acorn-fed ham, bacterial growth is also halted, and its shelf life is extended.
A vacuum-sealed sliced package can last up to 90 days if kept in good condition, and it must be kept in mind that although the meat darkens when the air is extracted from the package, once the package is opened and the ham comes back into contact with oxygen, it recovers its usual color.
At Enrique Tomás, we offer packages of sliced ham, both machine-cut and hand-carved, in 80-gram portions, and we also provide ham in diced cubes or in the form of shavings. All our products are vacuum-sealed to ensure they reach you and your loved ones as they should, but it is of no use for us to take these precautions if we do not then give you the necessary information so that you can do the same. As master ham carvers that we are, we know that basically two recommendations must be kept in mind to properly preserve Iberian ham under vacuum:
Recommendations
- Do you need to store the ham in the fridge? First of all, it must be noted that it is not necessary to keep the vacuum-sealed sliced ham in the refrigerator; it will be enough to place it in a dry, dark space with a temperature between 17 and 23°C, meaning you can keep it in the pantry without any problem.
- Our motto is the following: "no one eats ham to stave off hunger." What do we mean by this? Very simple, ham is a pleasure, and you have to give it its time. When you decide to open a packet, you do not have to eat a slice the moment you open it, but rather you have to wait. If upon removing the slice you notice that it remains stuck to the others, it means it has not yet oxygenated and, therefore, you must wait a few minutes. You will know the ham is at its optimal point when, upon opening the package, the slices separate from one another naturally. Only in this way will you enjoy all its flavor and texture. You are in for a treat!
Thus, as we have already explained, vacuum-packed Iberian ham can last up to 90 days, which means you do not have to buy it for immediate consumption. It is not necessary to go down to your Enrique Tomás store or Gourmet supermarket every time for a package; you can buy several at once or, if you want, you can even purchase them online on our website. You will be able to have them whenever you want!
How to Preserve Vacuum-Sealed Iberian Ham Once Opened
For us, ham is not only a delicious food, but it is also an experience to enjoy with the people you love. When opening a package of ham, the normal thing is for it to be finished right away, but if you do not finish it, do not worry, you can save it for later.
The first thing you need to keep in mind is that you can indeed store the ham in the fridge, but it is advisable to cover it well. The vacuum has already been broken, and therefore the Iberian ham has come into contact with oxygen again. Wrap the package with plastic wrap, but do not forget that it is best to eat it as soon as possible to prevent it from drying out. If, for whatever reason, you do not do so and when you go to get it, it has already dried out, it is no big deal. You can use it to make croquettes or broken eggs with ham.
Thus, now that you know how to preserve vacuum-sealed Iberian ham, you can rest easy because by following our advice you are sure to keep it safe and sound.
