{"id":9993,"date":"2026-02-04T11:00:52","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T10:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/blog\/?p=9993"},"modified":"2026-02-04T10:21:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T09:21:31","slug":"spanish-hams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/blog\/en\/spanish-hams\/","title":{"rendered":"Spanish hams: everything you need to know before buying"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Talking about Spanish hams means talking about one of the most iconic products of national gastronomy.<\/strong><br data-start=\"106\" data-end=\"109\" \/>Internationally recognized for their flavor, quality, and tradition, Spanish hams are the result of centuries of experience, a carefully controlled production process, and exceptional raw materials.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"309\" data-end=\"703\">If you\u2019re thinking about buying Spanish hams online, choosing the right one can raise questions: Iberian ham or Serrano ham? Ham or shoulder? What\u2019s the difference between the various types? In this complete guide, <strong>we explain everything you need to know before buying Spanish hams<\/strong>, so you can make the right choice and enjoy a unique gastronomic experience with products from Gastronomic Spain.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"710\" data-end=\"767\">Spanish hams: essential products in Spanish gastronomy<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"769\" data-end=\"973\">Ham is much more than food in Spain: it is culture, tradition, and culinary pride. Present at celebrations, family gatherings, and in everyday life, <strong>Spanish hams have conquered palates all over the world.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"975\" data-end=\"1203\">Their production combines time, climate, and artisanal know-how, resulting in a natural product made without haste, where every stage\u2014salting, drying, and curing\u2014is key to achieving its characteristic aroma, texture, and flavor.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1205\" data-end=\"1286\">In addition to its culinary value, ham stands out for its nutritional properties:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1288\" data-end=\"1476\">\n<li data-start=\"1288\" data-end=\"1328\">\n<p data-start=\"1290\" data-end=\"1328\">High content of high-quality protein<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1329\" data-end=\"1371\">\n<p data-start=\"1331\" data-end=\"1371\">Rich in minerals such as iron and zinc<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1372\" data-end=\"1410\">\n<p data-start=\"1374\" data-end=\"1410\">Natural source of B-group vitamins<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1411\" data-end=\"1476\">\n<p data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1476\">In the case of Iberian ham, healthy fats similar to olive oil<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1478\" data-end=\"1632\">It is no coincidence that Spain is a world leader in ham production and export, nor that products like Iberian ham are considered true gourmet delicacies.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1639\" data-end=\"1715\">The different varieties of Spanish hams you can find at Gastronomic Spain<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1717\" data-end=\"1906\">At Gastronomic Spain, we carefully select high-quality hams from producers who respect tradition and guarantee an exceptional product. In our ham category, you will find the main varieties:<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1908\" data-end=\"1923\">Iberian ham<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1925\" data-end=\"2083\">Iberian ham is, without a doubt, the crown jewel. It comes from the Iberian pig, a native breed of the Iberian Peninsula, mainly raised in southwestern Spain.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2085\" data-end=\"2137\">What makes Iberian ham unique is the combination of:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2139\" data-end=\"2280\">\n<li data-start=\"2139\" data-end=\"2161\">\n<p data-start=\"2141\" data-end=\"2161\">The animal\u2019s breed<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2162\" data-end=\"2216\">\n<p data-start=\"2164\" data-end=\"2216\">Its diet (acorn-fed, free-range feed, or feed-fed)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2217\" data-end=\"2280\">\n<p data-start=\"2219\" data-end=\"2280\">A long curing period, which can exceed 36 or even 48 months<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2282\" data-end=\"2333\">Within Iberian ham, there are different categories:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2335\" data-end=\"2417\">\n<li data-start=\"2335\" data-end=\"2360\">\n<p data-start=\"2337\" data-end=\"2360\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/en\/pata-negra-ham\/100-iberian-acorn-ham-juviles-.html\">Acorn-fed Iberian ham<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2361\" data-end=\"2392\">\n<p data-start=\"2363\" data-end=\"2392\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/en\/cebo-iberico-ham\/organic-iberico-cebo-de-campo-ham.html\">Free-range feed Iberian ham<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2393\" data-end=\"2417\">\n<p data-start=\"2395\" data-end=\"2417\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/en\/cebo-iberico-ham\/jamon-iberico-guijuelo-cortado-a-cuchillo.html\">Feed-fed Iberian ham<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2419\" data-end=\"2580\">Its flavor is intense, deep, and long-lasting, with marbled fat that melts in the mouth. Buying Iberian ham online means choosing a top-level gourmet experience.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2582\" data-end=\"2597\">Serrano ham<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2599\" data-end=\"2790\">Serrano ham is the most popular and widely consumed in Spain. It is made from white pigs and owes its name to the curing process in mountainous areas, where the climate favors natural drying.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2792\" data-end=\"2812\">It is a ham that is:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2814\" data-end=\"2921\">\n<li data-start=\"2814\" data-end=\"2833\">\n<p data-start=\"2816\" data-end=\"2833\">More affordable<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2834\" data-end=\"2870\">\n<p data-start=\"2836\" data-end=\"2870\">Mild and well-balanced in flavor<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2871\" data-end=\"2921\">\n<p data-start=\"2873\" data-end=\"2921\">Ideal for daily consumption, tapas, or cooking<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2923\" data-end=\"3115\"><strong>Its curing period usually ranges from 9 to 15 months, depending on quality and size<\/strong>. At Gastronomic Spain, you\u2019ll find carefully selected Serrano hams with an excellent quality-to-price ratio.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3117\" data-end=\"3138\">Shoulder (Paleta)<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3140\" data-end=\"3291\">The shoulder comes from the pig\u2019s front legs and, although it is sometimes confused with ham, it has its own characteristics that make it very special.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3293\" data-end=\"3323\">Because it is a smaller piece:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3325\" data-end=\"3464\">\n<li data-start=\"3325\" data-end=\"3355\">\n<p data-start=\"3327\" data-end=\"3355\">Its curing time is shorter<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3356\" data-end=\"3402\">\n<p data-start=\"3358\" data-end=\"3402\">It has a more intense, concentrated flavor<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3403\" data-end=\"3464\">\n<p data-start=\"3405\" data-end=\"3464\">It is ideal for those seeking quality in a smaller format<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3466\" data-end=\"3616\">There are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/en\/iberian-ham-shoulder\/eresma-iberian-shoulder.html\">Iberian shoulders<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/en\/spanish-ham\/serrana-shoulder-ham.html\">Serrano shoulders<\/a>, with Iberian shoulder being an excellent option to enjoy Iberian flavor at a more accessible price.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3623\" data-end=\"3688\">Differences between the main types of ham: Iberian vs. Serrano<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3690\" data-end=\"3802\">One of the most common questions when buying ham is: Iberian ham or Serrano ham? These are the main differences:<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3804\" data-end=\"3827\"><strong data-start=\"3804\" data-end=\"3825\">Origin of the pig<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3828\" data-end=\"3875\">\n<li data-start=\"3828\" data-end=\"3852\">\n<p data-start=\"3830\" data-end=\"3852\">Iberian: Iberian pig<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3853\" data-end=\"3875\">\n<p data-start=\"3855\" data-end=\"3875\">Serrano: white pig<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3877\" data-end=\"3887\"><strong data-start=\"3877\" data-end=\"3885\">Diet<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3888\" data-end=\"3960\">\n<li data-start=\"3888\" data-end=\"3933\">\n<p data-start=\"3890\" data-end=\"3933\">Iberian: acorns, free-range feed, or feed<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3934\" data-end=\"3960\">\n<p data-start=\"3936\" data-end=\"3960\">Serrano: natural feeds<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3962\" data-end=\"3974\"><strong data-start=\"3962\" data-end=\"3972\">Curing<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3975\" data-end=\"4054\">\n<li data-start=\"3975\" data-end=\"4019\">\n<p data-start=\"3977\" data-end=\"4019\">Iberian: long and slow (up to 48 months)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4020\" data-end=\"4054\">\n<p data-start=\"4022\" data-end=\"4054\">Serrano: shorter (9\u201315 months)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4056\" data-end=\"4080\"><strong data-start=\"4056\" data-end=\"4078\">Flavor and texture<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4081\" data-end=\"4157\">\n<li data-start=\"4081\" data-end=\"4126\">\n<p data-start=\"4083\" data-end=\"4126\">Iberian: intense, juicy, with marbled fat<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4127\" data-end=\"4157\">\n<p data-start=\"4129\" data-end=\"4157\">Serrano: milder and firmer<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4159\" data-end=\"4170\"><strong data-start=\"4159\" data-end=\"4168\">Price<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4171\" data-end=\"4226\">\n<li data-start=\"4171\" data-end=\"4197\">\n<p data-start=\"4173\" data-end=\"4197\">Iberian: premium range<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4198\" data-end=\"4226\">\n<p data-start=\"4200\" data-end=\"4226\">Serrano: more affordable<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4228\" data-end=\"4327\">The choice will depend on your budget, how you plan to use it, and your personal taste preferences.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"4334\" data-end=\"4372\">Difference between ham and shoulder<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4374\" data-end=\"4475\">Although they come from the same animal, ham and shoulder are not the same. The main differences are:<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4477\" data-end=\"4492\"><strong data-start=\"4477\" data-end=\"4490\">Location:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4493\" data-end=\"4536\">\n<li data-start=\"4493\" data-end=\"4511\">\n<p data-start=\"4495\" data-end=\"4511\">Ham: hind legs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4512\" data-end=\"4536\">\n<p data-start=\"4514\" data-end=\"4536\">Shoulder: front legs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4538\" data-end=\"4549\"><strong data-start=\"4538\" data-end=\"4547\">Size:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4550\" data-end=\"4591\">\n<li data-start=\"4550\" data-end=\"4567\">\n<p data-start=\"4552\" data-end=\"4567\">Ham is larger<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4568\" data-end=\"4591\">\n<p data-start=\"4570\" data-end=\"4591\">Shoulder is smaller<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4593\" data-end=\"4606\"><strong data-start=\"4593\" data-end=\"4604\">Curing:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4607\" data-end=\"4644\">\n<li data-start=\"4607\" data-end=\"4622\">\n<p data-start=\"4609\" data-end=\"4622\">Ham: longer<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4623\" data-end=\"4644\">\n<p data-start=\"4625\" data-end=\"4644\">Shoulder: shorter<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4646\" data-end=\"4659\"><strong data-start=\"4646\" data-end=\"4657\">Flavor:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4660\" data-end=\"4709\">\n<li data-start=\"4660\" data-end=\"4682\">\n<p data-start=\"4662\" data-end=\"4682\">Ham: more balanced<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4683\" data-end=\"4709\">\n<p data-start=\"4685\" data-end=\"4709\">Shoulder: more intense<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4711\" data-end=\"4857\">The shoulder is perfect for those looking for a bold flavor and a more manageable piece, while ham is ideal for large consumption or celebrations.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4864\" data-end=\"4912\">How to choose a good ham at Gastronomic Spain<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4914\" data-end=\"5061\">Choosing a good ham doesn\u2019t have to be complicated if you know what to look for. At Gastronomic Spain, we make it easy, but here are some key tips:<\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"5063\" data-end=\"5090\">1. Define your budget<\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"5091\" data-end=\"5198\">An acorn-fed Iberian ham is not the same as a Serrano ham. Both are excellent, but for different occasions.<\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"5200\" data-end=\"5229\">2. Consider consumption<\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"5230\" data-end=\"5362\">If there are only a few of you at home, a shoulder may be more suitable. For events or long-term consumption, a whole ham is better.<\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"5364\" data-end=\"5396\">3. Pay attention to curing<\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"5397\" data-end=\"5458\">The longer the curing, the more intense the flavor and aroma.<\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"5460\" data-end=\"5497\">4. Buy from a specialized store<\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"5498\" data-end=\"5550\">Buying ham online at Gastronomic Spain guarantees:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5551\" data-end=\"5659\">\n<li data-start=\"5551\" data-end=\"5582\">\n<p data-start=\"5553\" data-end=\"5582\">Carefully selected products<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5583\" data-end=\"5617\">\n<p data-start=\"5585\" data-end=\"5617\">Clear and detailed information<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5618\" data-end=\"5639\">\n<p data-start=\"5620\" data-end=\"5639\">Certified quality<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5640\" data-end=\"5659\">\n<p data-start=\"5642\" data-end=\"5659\">Secure shipping<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"5661\" data-end=\"5687\">5. Trust the experts<\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"5688\" data-end=\"5786\">Our catalog is designed to help you find the best Spanish hams, tailored to your tastes and needs.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"5793\" data-end=\"5847\">Quality Spanish hams are found at Gastronomic Spain<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5849\" data-end=\"6088\">Spanish ham is a unique product in the world, and choosing the right one makes all the difference. Whether <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/en\/iberico-ham\/\">Iberian ham<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/en\/serrano-ham\/\">Serrano ham<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/en\/pork-shoulder-ham\/\">shoulder<\/a>, at Gastronomic Spain you\u2019ll find a carefully curated selection for lovers of fine gastronomy.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6090\" data-end=\"6219\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Now that you know the differences, varieties, and buying tips, you\u2019re ready to enjoy the authentic taste of Spain in every slice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Buy Spanish hams! Here we tell you everything you need to know before purchasing them at Gastronomic Spain. Are you going to miss out?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":10021,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1257],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9993","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-spanish-ham"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9993","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9993"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9993\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9997,"href":"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9993\/revisions\/9997"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10021"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9993"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9993"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gastronomicspain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9993"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}