Here at Mevalco we are committed to bringing only the finest, most delicious ingredients from producers who share our key values of sustainability, ethical practices and passion in creating world class hams. However, we realise that the world of Spanish ham can be daunting, with different colours and grades assigned to each one to denote its quality, diet and breed. As well as there being varying ages and curing times which influence the quality of the meat. Therefore, if you don’t know your CEBO’s from your Serrano’s we have complied this handy guide to the different hams we offer.
The first question you need to ask, is which ham suits me best?
Whilst 100% Bellota often has the best flavour, it might not be ideal for you. It is a truly incredible product but coming from pure breed Bellota pigs mean that the hams tend to dry out quicker. Therefore, if you were looking to carve a jamon or paleta and eat it in a day at a big gathering this would be perfect. However, for most people, this isn’t practical. As a result, we can offer you a 100% Bellota ham hand carved and pre-sealed into 80g packs to enjoy at your convenience, so you can savour each mouthful.
Alternatively, if you love the theatre of hand carving your ham (and who can blame you) but want to use it slowly over a few weeks for dinners, gatherings and the odd bit of indulgence, then a 50% Bellota or CEBO ham would be far more suitable as it has a different fat composition which means it remains ‘juicy’, and so will not dry up as you use it.
If you would like any further information on any supplier, or simply want to test our jamon knowledge, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 01179826540 or email sales@mevalco.com for enquiries, ideas, inspiration, serving suggestions or the latest updates.
Dehesa de los Monteros
Dehesa de los Monteros is the passion project of a retired finance professor from the University of Malaga. Being free range, these 100% Iberico certified pigs have extensive access to the geographically unique area of the Serrania de Ronda which is less than 20km from the coast.
This means the winters are milder and the summers are longer. As result of this climate it is one of the few areas in Spain where Chestnuts grow naturally, allowing the pigs to gorge themselves on chestnuts a month before the acorn season usually starts, meaning the meat has special sweetness not found in other hams. Additionally, the terrain is dramatically rugged, with extensive forests of holm oak and cork trees which forces the pigs to continuously exercise as they range, resulting in fantastic fat marbling of the meat. This results in a delicate ham with subtle and unsurpassed nuances of taste.
Ham on the Bone, 100% Iberico Bellota
Average weight 8kg.
This is a truly exceptional ham which hasn’t only moved the goalposts but changed the game of Iberico Hams all together. With a delicate sweetness reminiscent of the chestnut heavy diet the pig enjoyed, followed by a robust oaky flavour with an exceptionally gentle aroma of wildflowers. The fat throughout the meat glistens in a delicate web and readily melts at room temperature meaning it simply dissolves on your palette, leaving a long aftertaste that will only have you craving more.
Sliced Shoulder Pack 100% Iberico Bellota
Average weight 2.4kg.
A unique product. Here is an entire shoulder pre-carved and vacuum sealed into 80g serving packs to enjoy at your leisure. Included is the bone which can be used to make a delicious stock which will add a wonderful richness to any risotto.
BHIB302 - £200
los Dehesa de la Solana
This is a family business that incorporates farming, sustainability and state of the art technology to produce their exquisite range of hams. The pig’s free range in the meadows of an international national park by the San Pedro mountain range which lies close to the Portuguese border and the Tajo river.
Ham on the Bone, 50% CEBO de Campo
Average Weight 8.6kg.
Dehesa takes a different approach to the way in which they rear their pigs. Whilst this is a CEBO ham by label, it is in fact far closer to a Bellota in its standard. This is because the pig’s free range across the exact same terrain as the Bellota pigs, just a month later, so they still can reap the benefit of the Montanera period. As a result, this meat is well marbled with a delicious sweet nutty flavour, soft aroma and a well-balanced aftertaste.
PCHBIB402 - £250
Ham on the Bone 50% Iberico Bellota
Average weight 8.5kg.
This ham is 50% Iberico, 50% Duroc breed. It has spent its entire life free ranging across the Dehesa, eating acorns, roots and shrubs. This means it is an exceptionally fit and healthy animal which regularly walks 14 miles a day in search of food. This is reflected in the flavour of the meat, which is soft and smooth, with a wonderful aroma of sweet oak and delicate wildflowers. The fat dissolves on your palette leaving a wonderful light aftertaste with notes of honey.
PCHBIB401 - £425
Cinco Jotas
A name which should need no introduction. They are internationally renowned and critically acclaimed for the exceptional standard of their 100% Bellota, Iberico Hams. The pigs roam free in the meadows of Sierra Aracena, enjoying a rich and varied diet of acorns, flowers and grasses. The animal’s ability to range means it is exceptionally fit and healthy, which is why the meat is so delicious.
Ham on the Bone 100% Iberico, Bellota
Average Weight 8.5kg.
This jamon is an excellent example of 100% Bellota ham. The meat is soft with a wonderful aroma of honey and wildflowers. On the palette you can taste the sweet nuttiness brought about by the pigs varied diet. Throughout the meat is a prized web of fine marbling, which melts at room temperature. As a result, each mouthful simply dissolves away, leaving a rich and balanced aftertaste.
PCHBIB200 - £550
Revisan
Revisan is located in Guijuelo, to the south east of Salamanca, in the Northern Castile. It is surrounded by the mountain ranges of Béjar, Francia and Gredos. The family business was founded in 1925, and today is a truly modern company run by 3rd and 4th generation descendants. They retain the same passion and excellence for their products as their forebearers, whilst incorporating the latest production processes with sustainable tradition.
Serrano Ham on the Bone 100% Duroc
Average weight 8.4kg
This is without doubt one of the best Serrano Hams we have ever tasted. The flavour is intense as a result of the animals’ mainly cereal based diet. This makes it perfect for cooking with as it will provide a rich depth of flavour to any dish. Alternatively, this ham is still delicious when enjoyed on its own and is perfect for serving to guests.
PCHBSE100 - £125
Have we caught your interest? Anything you like the look of?
If you want your ham delivered in a certain week during the build up to Christmas we will gladly accept a pre-order and ensure that your delicious leg or shoulder arrives with you in time for all the festivities. This is the most effective way of ordering to avoid disappointment if you were thinking of placing a large order.
Why not check out the rest of our fantastic products all of which are perfect for enjoying with friends or family!
We’re sure you will find something you love.
