Jamón ibérico is a gastronomic product from our land, with a flavour, aroma and texture that set it apart from any other food in the world. To enjoy it at its best, it is not enough to buy the highest-quality product; you also need to store it correctly so that it retains all its characteristics. At Enrique Tomás, as passionate jamón lovers, we want you to enjoy it as if it had just been freshly sliced, which is why we are going to explain in this video how to store vacuum-packed jamón ibérico.
You'll see how easy it is!
How to Store Vacuum-Packed Jamón Ibérico While the Pack Is Still Sealed
Vacuum packing is a preservation process that involves removing all the air from inside the packaging using vacuum pumps in order to extend the shelf life of food. Thanks to the absence of oxygen, food does not oxidise as quickly and therefore lasts longer. In the case of cured meats, such as jamón ibérico de cebo or bellota, it also slows down bacterial growth and extends their shelf life.
A vacuum-packed sliced pack can last for up to 90 days if stored correctly. It is important to bear in mind that, although the meat becomes darker when the air is removed from the packaging, once the pack is opened and the jamón comes into contact with oxygen again, it returns to its usual colour.
At Enrique Tomás, we offer packs of jamón sliced both by machine and by hand, in 80-gram packs, as well as jamón in cubes or shavings. All our products are vacuum-packed to make sure they reach you and your loved ones in perfect condition. However, there is little point in taking these precautions ourselves if we do not also give you the information you need to do the same at home. As jamón experts, we know that there are essentially two recommendations to bear in mind when storing jamón ibérico correctly:
Recommendations
- Does jamón need to be kept in the fridge? First of all, it is worth pointing out that you do not need to keep vacuum-packed sliced jamón in the fridge. It is enough to store it in a dry, dark place at a temperature between 17 and 23°C. In other words, you can keep it in your pantry without any problem.
- Our motto is the following: “Nobody eats jamón just to satisfy their hunger.” What do we mean by this? It is very simple: jamón is a pleasure, and you should take your time to enjoy it. When you decide to open a pack, you should not simply eat a slice straight away. Instead, you need to wait. If, when you try to remove a slice, you notice that it is still stuck to the others, this means that the jamón has not yet had enough time to come into contact with oxygen, so you should wait a few more minutes. You will know that the jamón is at its best when, after opening the pack, the slices separate naturally from one another. This is the only way to enjoy all its flavour and texture. You'll be in for a real treat!
As we have already explained, vacuum-packed ibérico can last for up to 90 days, which means that you do not have to buy it with the intention of consuming it immediately. You do not need to go to your Enrique Tomás shop or gourmet supermarket every time you want a pack. You can buy several at once or, if you prefer, even order them online from our website. You'll always have them ready whenever you want them!
How to Store Vacuum-Packed Jamón Ibérico Once Opened
For us, jamón is not just a delicious food; it is an experience to be enjoyed with the people you love. When you open a pack of jamón, it will normally be finished straight away, but if you do not eat it all, don't worry – you can save it for later.
The first thing you need to bear in mind is that you can keep jamón in the fridge, but it is important to cover it well. The vacuum seal has already been broken and, therefore, the ibérico has come into contact with oxygen again. Wrap the pack in cling film, but remember that it is best to eat it as soon as possible to prevent it from drying out. If, for whatever reason, you do not manage to do so and the jamón has dried out by the time you go to eat it, don't worry. You can use it to make croquettes or huevos rotos con jamón.
So, now that you know how to store vacuum-packed jamón ibérico, you can rest assured that, by following our advice, your jamón will be kept in the best possible condition.
