Buying sliced ham is one of the best ways to keep it in good condition for a longer period, but to do it properly, it's essential to know how to preserve sliced ham, whether it's Gran Reserva or Iberian.

At Enrique Tomás, as master ham experts, we want to ensure that when you enjoy ham, you have the experience it deserves, which is why we recommend buying it pre-sliced.

Why? Here's the answer.

Why Buy Pre-Sliced and Packaged Ham

Ham and shoulders are two very popular products in Spanish gastronomy that, thanks to the care with which they are treated, are unique in the world. To achieve their most authentic flavor, the curing process must be meticulously controlled, and you must ensure that the product is consumed at the exact moment to prevent it from losing its properties, taste, and optimal texture.

The curing process for shoulders and hams is very specific, and these products cannot be cured for longer than necessary. Gran Reserva hams need 15 months, while Gran Reserva shoulders require 18 months. Iberian shoulders need around 18 months, and Iberian hams need about 24 months, while acorn-fed Iberian shoulders require around 24 months and hams about 36 months.

To avoid buying a ham or shoulder that might go to waste, it's highly recommended to purchase sliced ham. If, on the other hand, you buy a whole leg and don't open it at the right time, it could dry out.

At Enrique Tomás, to safeguard these products and ensure they are consumed at their best, we vacuum-seal the ham in 80-gram portions, sliced both by machine and by hand. By choosing these options, you not only care for their preservation but also guarantee that their thickness and length are as required. Properly slicing ham is much more important than it may seem; if it's too thin, you won't appreciate its texture, and if it's too thick, it won't melt in your mouth. It has to be just the right thickness!

In summary, those who opt for sliced ham will ensure better preservation of the curing process, and each slice will have the optimal thickness. The best professionals will ensure that each slice is just as it should be!

 Enrique Tomás' Ham Experience Book

How to Best Preserve Sliced Ham

Do you need to store sliced ham in the refrigerator? The answer is no. It's sufficient to keep it in a dry and cool place, such as the pantry. The perfect temperature is between 17°C and 23°C.

The purpose of vacuum-sealing any food product, regardless of what it is, is to extend its shelf life by removing all the air from the packaging. In the case of ham, it's essential to note that when it's packaged this way, its meat darkens, but upon opening it and coming into contact with oxygen again, it will regain its usual color.

Another aspect to consider is ensuring that the packaging film has no holes because, if it does, the vacuum won't be effective. Each package can be consumed up to 90 days after being sliced, meaning that once you buy it, you can keep it at home for up to three months without the need to open it.


But once you do, it's important to follow these two recommendations:

• When you open a package of sliced ham, you must let it breathe and not eat it immediately. You'll know the ham is ready when you see the slices easily separate from each other without any effort.
  
  
• If you open a package and don't finish it, you should store it in the refrigerator, properly covered. Avoid using aluminum foil; it's better to use transparent film. The vacuum has already been broken, so it's recommended to consume the ham as soon as possible.
  
  

Finally, it's worth mentioning that in addition to buying ham in specialized stores or gourmet supermarkets, at Enrique Tomás, you can also purchase it online. So, if you're someone with little time to shop or don't live near a physical store, you can avoid the need to travel because we'll deliver it directly to your doorstep! It's advisable to buy several packages of Gran Reserva or Iberian ham because this way, you'll never run out. They take up little space and have a long shelf life, so they won't bother you at home!

Vacuum-Packed Sliced Cured Meats from Enrique Tomás

As you can see, knowing how to preserve sliced ham is just as important as choosing the highest quality or plating it correctly.

Enjoy the experience of eating ham at any time!