Drying

Drying the jamón is an essential process in the production of cured jamón. It consists of hanging the pieces of jamón in a dry and ventilated environment for several months, in order to eliminate humidity and concentrate the flavours and aromas of the jamón.

During the drying process, the jamón loses water and its weight decreases, which helps to concentrate the flavours and aromas of the meat. In addition, a series of biochemical reactions take place that transform the components of the jamón, giving rise to the characteristic flavours and aromas of cured jamón.

The drying time may vary according to the variety of jamón and the climate of the area where it is produced. In general, the process lasts several months or even years, and requires a dry and ventilated environment, with a suitable temperature and humidity to ensure the correct development of the bacteria that transform the meat.

The end result of drying the jamón is a piece of cured meat with a unique flavour and aroma, which is valued for its quality and is used in the preparation of typical dishes of Spanish gastronomy.