There are many decisive factors to consider when preserving ham in the best way and keeping it in perfect condition, so its organoleptic characteristics remain intact throughout the consumption process.

For this reason, in this post, we're going to clarify the keys to enjoying the authentic flavor of ham from the first to the last slice.

 

Everything You Need to Know to Preserve Ham

When we talk about preserving ham, we must take into account the format. It's not the same if you buy the whole piece or if you get sliced ham packets.

What should you do in each case?

 

If You Buy the Whole Ham... How Should You Preserve and Consume It?

Ham, being a cured food product, is easy to preserve. Nevertheless, you should consider some basic measures to preserve its aroma and flavor throughout the consumption process.

Regardless of the type of ham, whether Gran Reserva or Ibérico, you should keep the whole piece in a dry and cool place, preferably hanging. Keep in mind that the ham leg you've acquired has been sold at the optimal moment for consumption, so we recommend not waiting to enjoy it.

Once you open the ham, you must be aware that you should consume it in about 21 days. The days can vary depending on the exact weight of each leg. By doing so, you'll ensure that its taste, quality, and properties remain at 100%. In summer, if you live in a place where the temperature rises significantly, you should consume it in less than 16 days.

Our Gran Reserva Ham

Remember that to keep ham in its optimal state, you should slice it every day, thus maintaining its organoleptic characteristics intact. Also, keep in mind that you should only slice what you're going to consume; avoid excess slicing and storing it in the refrigerator, as this would diminish some of the ham's qualities.

One of the standout advantages of buying the whole ham is enjoying the intense flavor of each slice right after it's cut. The immediacy of consumption means that when we take a slice of ham to our mouth, it's an explosion of flavor on our palate, allowing us to notice all the nuances, aroma, and texture of that ham.

Another key point is placing a clean and lint-free cotton cloth over the ham every time you finish slicing. This cloth should not shed lint. This way, you prevent the ham from coming into contact with light and air. A common mistake is using the leftover fat from the ham – the part you remove when opening the ham – as a cover. In this case, the fat would infiltrate and alter the authentic flavor of the ham. Another solution, which we use in our store, is to place transparent film that covers the ham, preserving its appearance without altering the taste.

 

If You Buy Sliced Ibérico Ham... How Should You Preserve and Consume It?

Buying sliced ham is one of the best ways to keep it in good condition for a longer time. To do it right, it's essential to know how to preserve sliced ham, whether it's Gran Reserva or Ibérico. At Enrique Tomás, as the ham masters we are, we want to make sure that when you eat ham, you enjoy the experience it brings. That's why we're sharing how to properly preserve it.

To preserve sliced ham properly, you don't need to keep it in the fridge. It's enough to keep it in a dry and cool place, such as a pantry. The ideal temperature for it is a maximum of 15°C or 59°F.

"The sliced ham's consumption time increases thanks to vacuum packaging."

Vacuum packaging any food product, whatever it may be, aims to extend its shelf life. By removing all the air from the packaging, the product is preserved for a longer time. In the case of ham, when it's packaged using this process, its meat darkens, but upon opening it and coming into contact with oxygen again, it will regain its usual color.

Buy Sliced Gran Reserva Ham

 

Buy Sliced 100% Ibérico Bellota Premium Ham

 

Buy Sliced Ibérico Field Ham

 

When you open a package of sliced ham, you need to let it breathe and not eat it immediately. You'll know the ham is ready when you see the slices separating from each other without any effort. That's the perfect moment when the product has regained all its flavor nuances, texture, and aroma.

Each packet can be consumed up to 90 days after being sliced, meaning you can have it at home for up to three months without starting it. But once you do start, it's essential to follow our recommendations: if you open a packet and don't finish it, you should store it properly in the fridge, tightly covered.

Don't use aluminum foil; use transparent film instead. The vacuum process has already been broken, so it's recommended to eat the ham as soon as you can. When you take it out of the fridge, we suggest waiting for an hour before consuming it, until it reaches room temperature. Once the slices can be easily separated, it's ready to eat.

In this video, you'll find a summary of how to preserve ham, whether it's the whole piece or vacuum-sealed sliced packets.

 

 

Ultimately, the significant advantage of ordering sliced ham is that you can consume it as you need it, over the course of three months. But if you're more impatient and want to immediately enjoy the authentic flavor of ham, the whole piece is the way to go. Remember that if you buy the whole piece, it's recommended to consume it within about three weeks.

Whether you choose one format or another, at Enrique Tomás' online store, you'll find the best quality. Enjoy the experience of eating ham anytime!