How Much Does It Cost to Have a Jamón Sliced?
How to slice a jamón is always a topic of great interest to our customers, whether they want to learn the technique or simply find out if it is worth leaving it in the hands of a professional. At Enrique Tomás, we believe that selling our product also means educating people about everything surrounding this unique delicacy.
The Importance of Properly Hand-Sliced Jamón
Flavour
Slice thickness is crucial. The perfect slice is one where you can just make out the knife blade underneath as you cut. If it is too thick, your palate will only appreciate the nuances when chewing rather than on first contact. If it is thin, an explosion of flavours begins as soon as it touches your tongue. Cut one thin slice and another twice as thick: they will feel like two completely different jamones.
Yield
A master slicer will yield considerably more jamón from a piece than any amateur. If you have purchased a whole piece and lack practice, we recommend having it sliced at your trusted shop: it will be well worth it for both flavour and total yield.
Parts of the jamón ibérico
Slicing Technique
Start with a deep incision around the hock and trim the skin from this area using a boning knife or "puntilla." Work your way down through the maza or babilla, removing the skin and the outer layer of yellow, rancid fat.
Once you reach the meat, switch to a jamón knife with a long, narrow, flexible blade. Having the right, well-sharpened tools is just as essential as the technique itself.
Slicing Prices at Enrique Tomás
These are the prices applied across all Enrique Tomás shops. Hand-slicing services are available in physical shops only.
| Whole paleta | €60 |
| Whole jamón | €65 |
| Whole paleta | €65 |
| Whole jamón | €70 |
How to Slice a Jamón or Paleta
The anatomy of a jamón makes it easier to slice than a paleta: it contains more meat, and its bone shape is less prominent than the shoulder blade of the paleta, allowing easier knife access close to the bone.
Visit our blog for detailed step-by-step guides on how to start slicing a paleta and how to begin slicing a jamón, complete with instructional videos.
A proper cut makes all the difference. Get expert advice or practise at home with our guidance!
