Christmas has that special something that envelops everything: lights in the streets, reunions that feel like home... and, of course, that special moment of placing a good plate of Iberian Ham in the center of the table. During these dates, many families go through the same ritual: which ham should we buy this year? How can we make the right choice? What is the difference between one and another?
At Ibéricos Torreón, we have experienced this firsthand for over 40 years —with the same artisanal dedication that accompanies each piece, carefully nurtured with care and patience from day one— so today we want to help you choose 'that Ham' that will make your celebrations shine brighter than ever.
Start with the essentials: Labeling
Iberian Ham is a fascinating world, but also full of nuances. The best way to choose well is to understand the information provided by the piece itself.
In Spain, official labeling is identified by the colors of the seal:
* Black seal: 100% Iberian Acorn-fed Ham. The highest level of purity in the pig's breed and fed with completely natural acorns during the Montanera period.
* Red seal: 50% Iberian Acorn-fed Ham (or 75% Iberian Breed). One of the parents, usually the mother, is 100% Iberian Breed, and they are also fed with acorns during the Montanera period.
* Green seal: Iberian Cebo de Campo Ham. Also with a 100% Iberian parent, raised outdoors and fed with high-quality pasture, cereals, and feed.
* White seal: Iberian Cebo Ham. With varying Iberian purity, fed with feed in controlled environments.
Does this mean that one is “better” than another? No, they are simply different. Each category has its own personality: from the intensity and complexity of 100% Iberian Acorn-fed to the pleasant juiciness of a good Cebo de Campo. The important thing is to choose the one that best suits your table's style... and your budget.
The percentage of Iberian breed: That detail that marks the character and intensity of the flavor
In addition to the seal color, always look at the percentage of Iberian Breed (50%, 75%, or 100%).
* 100% Iberians usually have a deeper, more elegant, and persistent flavor.
* The 50% and 75% crosses provide balance, juiciness, fat infiltration, and a smooth texture that appeals to almost everyone.
At Torreón, we treat each piece as a small treasure, and this is evident in how each ham evolves in the cellar.
Ham or Paleta for these holidays?
The big question (and eternal doubt).
* Ham is larger, smoother, and lingers longer on the palate.
* Paleta has a more intense and concentrated flavor, perfect if there are fewer of you or if you want a piece with more character.
Both are fantastic options, as long as they come from producers who respect time, tradition, and well-done work.
Tips for preserving it (so it lasts perfectly all Christmas)
If you buy the whole ham…
* Store it in a cool, dry place.
* Once opened, cover it with its own fat and a clean cotton cloth.
* Avoid direct heat sources (radiators, kitchen...) to avoid altering its texture.
If you buy it sliced…
* Take the packet out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes beforehand.
* Let it warm up so that the fat regains its natural shine and aroma.
* Place it carefully on the plate: it is a living product, and it appreciates it.
The art of slicing: A small gesture that changes everything
Ham can be excellent, but if it's badly sliced... the magic is lost.
* You'll need: A stable ham holder, a flexible ham knife, a paring knife, and a sharpening steel.
* The slice should be thin, wide, and uniform, almost like a gentle caress.
* Respect the natural shape of the piece. Don't rush: ham always gives back the time you dedicate to it.
If you prefer to forget about the knife this Christmas, you can also opt for our professional cuts, perfect for presenting at the table as if you had a master slicer at home.
Ideas for dressing your Christmas table with Iberian flavor
A beautiful table is almost as important as the menu, and even more so when Ham is the protagonist. Here are a couple of simple ideas:
- The elegant board: Combine Ham with Loin, Coppa, and Iberian Chorizo. Add small grapes, thin slices of artisan bread, and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary.
- The appetizer corner: Create a mini-station with pre-plated ham, breadsticks, truffled butter, and nuts. Perfect for welcoming guests.
-Edible centerpiece: Place a deep plate with delicate slices of ham forming a circle, like a Christmas wreath. A guaranteed success.
Each piece is the result of years of work: breeding in the dehesa, shaping, salting, post-salting, natural drying sheds, expert hands supervising its curing... and all that dedication is reflected in every slice.
At Torreón, we believe that Iberian Ham is not just a product: it is culture, tradition, and that touch that turns a family gathering into a shared memory.
This Christmas, choose well... and enjoy it even more.
Whether as a gift, for celebrating, or simply to treat yourself, a good Iberian Ham is always a hit. And if it's Torreón, it carries with it the work of a team that lives this product with soul, with passion, and also with great talent that drives the company every day.
Let's toast with beautiful tables, for flavors that unite us and for traditions that remain alive.
Merry Christmas from Ibéricos Torreón!