Description
The Jamón Serrano TSG is ham made from pig thighs.
Production Area
The tradition territory of Jamón Serrano TSG cover about the whole area of the present Spain, especially mountain areas.
Production Method
To allow for conservation of the product it is salted for a period of not more than three days, then put to rest for at least 40 days, dried for at least 110 days and finally seasoned. During this whole process which takes 210 days, the ham must lose not less than 33% of its original weight.
Appearance and Flavour
Jamón Serrano TSG varies in colour from pink to deep red, whiteyellowish fat with a homogenous and slightly stringy texture. The taste is delicate and lightly salted.
History
The origins of Jamón Serrano TSG are well rooted in the traditions and the history of the production area. The first uses of this product can be traced back to the Roman period; swine was being salted and conserved at the end of the 2nd century B.C. The name cecina de cerdo means "meat of pig" and the traditional means of preparation have been handed down from generation to generation.
Gastronomy
Jamón Serrano TSG is sold in two ways: whole and boneless. The former must be kept at room temperature (14-22°C) in a dry place, while the later at a much lower temperature (2-10°C). It is sold vacuum-sealed and therefore you should wait 15 minutes between opening and eating. It can be eaten in many dishes, appetisers, starters, sliced or in small pieces. A typical recipe for this product is Pan con tomate y jambon, made with homemade bread, cherry tomatoes, Jamón Serrano TSG, oil and salt. This recipe is called bocadillos and it is quite similar to Italian bruschetta, the bread is covered with tomatoes, oil and salt, it is put into the oven and the ham is added near the end of the cooking process. It goes well with sangria or red wine.
Marketing
The product is sold as Jamón Serrano TSG in different ways: cut to a V with the trotter, cut to a V without the trotter, round-cut with trotter, roundcut without trotter, boneless with skin, boneless and cut to a V, boneless with the skin and fat removed. Jamón Serrano TSG is sold whole, sliced, fine sliced and sealed in environment controlled packaging or vacuum sealed.
Distinctive Features
Jamón Serrano TSG is noted for its delicate flavour which has won attention even in the international market. Furthermore, the ham is usually placed on a small stand and cut by hand with a specific knife, respecting the traditions of old.
