When you buy vacuum-packed ham, sometimes the slices stick together, especially if the ham has been in the fridge. The solution is very simple: a little patience. We'll show you how to separate the ham so it doesn't break:

Take the ham out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving it on the plate. With the change in temperature, the characteristic oils of the ham reappear, giving it back its flavor and making it easier to separate the slices, thus avoiding them from breaking and allowing you to present them properly on the plate.

Relationship between Ham and the Refrigerator

When you buy pre-sliced and vacuum-packed products, it's ideal to always store them in the refrigerator between 3 to 8°C (37.4 to 46.4°F). To consume it, take it out of the fridge and the vacuum packaging and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes (approximately 15 to 30 minutes) before consuming. It will be ready when the slices separate without breaking.

If you don't consume the entire package of ham, you can put it back in the fridge, but make sure to seal it properly with plastic wrap or a similar covering to prevent the meat from drying out and losing its flavor and texture. It's best not to keep it in the fridge for more than 3 days once opened.

Tips for Preserving Ham

We'll share with you in a short video the tips for preserving ham, whether it's a whole piece or the slices.

The Advantages of Sliced Ham

Durability

Sliced packages can last up to 6 months or more unopened in the refrigerator. Being sliced and vacuum-packed, it has a long shelf life in refrigeration. Still, always check the expiration date on the label.

Above all, once you've opened the package, we recommend consuming it as soon as possible. Otherwise, the excellent qualities of the product might be lost.

The Perfect Cut

Many people associate the word "ham" directly with a whole leg, but why? Cutting ham the right way is much more challenging than it seems, and the cut greatly affects whether you can enjoy the ham to the fullest or not.

In the case of sliced packs, the advantage is that they are cut to the exact thickness, either by machine or by knife, by the best ham masters.

Space

If you have a small kitchen, a whole ham leg will take up a lot of space. That's why it's more practical to get ham slices in packages and make space for them in your fridge.

Variety

Buying Enrique Tomás ham in packages allows us to vary the types of ham according to the occasion without being limited to a single type of ham for many days or forced to buy the 5 kg or 8 kg of a shoulder or a ham respectively. There are ham packages of 80-100g, and you can buy them individually.


Sliced Ham

Keys to Proper Plating

Once you've allowed the sliced ham to adjust to room temperature for 15-30 minutes and the slices have separated without breaking, you need to consider presenting it on the plate. An essential element to consider is the color of the plate. We recommend using a plate that enhances the intense red color of the ham. This creates a high contrast that makes our product stand out. For this reason, white plates are commonly used. Additionally, it's advisable for the plate to have no distracting decorations that might divert attention away from the ham, the star of the show.

The shape of the plate is also crucial in plating. The most recommended shape by experts is round. This shape allows us to arrange the slices in the most elegant way possible.

Placement should start from the outer edge of the plate and move inward, overlapping the slices. A tip is to position the fatty part inward, making it easier to grab the slices when tasting and making the plate look more appealing.

Once you have the plate arranged as desired, it's especially important to clean up any grease or dirt residue. A clean presentation is the finishing touch to a job well done.

Iberian Acorn-Fed Ham



The Gastronomic Use of Ham

With these tips, you can enjoy a perfect platter of Iberian ham and cured meats with your sliced products. Remember, take vacuum-sealed products out of the fridge about half an hour before serving.

Turn even the most casual gatherings into a grand event with a table full of quality products. This option is ideal for shared meals and dinners with friends or family.

Platter of Iberian Meats and Seasonal Fruits