Summer is here, and with it comes that irresistible urge to extend our evenings, turn on the lights in the patio, garden, or terrace... and gather around a table with our usual crowd. It doesn't matter if it's an impromptu dinner or that celebration you've been planning for months; if there's one thing that never fails at our gatherings, it's a good plate of Iberian ham in the center.
But of course, when the thermometer starts to climb, we always have the same doubt: what happens to ham when the heat sets in? There's no need to fear; it just needs a little care so it doesn't lose its touch. Here we tell you how to store ham in summer specifically and truly enjoy it.
If you have the whole piece at home, the first thing is the location. Forget the kitchen if it gets direct sun or if you use the oven a lot. Find the coolest spot in the house, a pantry, or a cellar where there's no humidity or strange drafts.
When you make the first cut, the big dilemma of how to cover it arises, and here it largely depends on your consumption rate. If you eat it daily at home, the best trick is to save those first slices of white fat you remove when opening it and place them on top of the cut with a clean cloth over it so it can breathe.
But be careful, if it's going to be longer and you'll be consuming it weekly, fat alone isn't enough. In that case, the best thing to do is tightly press a piece of cling film directly onto the lean meat and fat to prevent any air from getting in. The secret is to clean the ham as you go, protecting the exposed part with its fat and the tightly sealed film. This way it stays perfect, even if you don't cut it every day.
And a friendly tip, in summer the surface oxidizes faster, so it's best not to let too much time pass between cuts. It's the perfect excuse to treat yourself every afternoon or call the neighbors to come over for a visit.
In summary, three golden rules:
- To store it: Find the coolest, darkest corner of the house.
- To protect it: Once you make the first cut, cover it with the first thin slices of white fat you removed when opening it, and then cover the piece with a clean, light cotton cloth.
- To savor it: In summer, the cut surface oxidizes faster. Therefore, the best recommendation is not to let many days pass without cutting. Cut a few slices from time to time... even if it's just a craving!
Sliced option, TOP option
Now, if you prefer the convenience of hand-sliced pre-sliced packs, half the work is done for you. They are perfect for travel or to keep in the fridge ready for any unexpected event.
However, there is a sacred rule you cannot break if you want to get the most flavor out of what you are eating: the temperature. Take the packet out of the fridge about half an hour before sitting down to eat. You'll know it's just right when you see the fat start to become transparent. That's when the flavor awakens. If you're in a hurry, a quick trick is to run the closed packet under lukewarm water for a few seconds.
How to enjoy Iberian ham at your summer events
When you have guests over, I assure you that slicing the ham just before they arrive makes all the difference. The shine of a fresh cut is truly appealing. A detail that works very well is to place it on a slightly warm plate, not scorching hot, just enough for the fat to start melting gently.
If you have doubts about what to drink with it, although red wine is very appealing, our bodies crave something else in summer, so try switching to a generous white wine, a fino or a very cold manzanilla. Or even a sparkling wine. The bubbles cleanse the palate after each slice and get you ready for the next one.
And if you feel like experimenting with food, ham goes wonderfully with fresh figs, with the classic melon, or as a topping for a refreshing gazpacho. That contrast between the saltiness of the Iberian ham and the sweet or acidic touch of the fruit is another story entirely.
Ultimately, behind every piece lies a long period of quiet care and daily attention, so now that it's time to unwind, the best we can do is take it easy.
Cut a few slices, pour a drink, and enjoy the people around you, because summer flies by.