Prosciutto Vs. Serrano?

Both prosciutto and jamon Serrano come from similar breeds of white pig, but each have a different flavour and texture. Italian prosciutto has a sweet, delicate flavour and a less dry texture than Spanish jamon serrano. which in turn has is of a deeper red colour and is more intense in flavour.

This is due to the longer curing phase for Jamon Serrano, usually for up to eighteen months, along with other variations in the overall processing of the hams. The term jamon Serrano comes from ham from the "sierra", meaning mountain range. This name derives from the "secaderos" or drying sheds which are used to keep the jamon dry and cool after the extensive curing process. These secaderos are generally built on higher ground elevations, hence the name "mountain ham".

Jamon Serrano is widely applied as a culinary umbrella term for all dry-cured ham produced in Spain. It is one of the most globally recognised of Spanish delicacies and foods most typical to Spain, along with paella and gazpacho. The majority of Spanish jamones are produced from a landrace (ie, pigs that have been purposely, specifically domesticated and bred) breed of white pigs or from commercial breeds such as the Duroc. Jamon Serrano, described variously as jamon reserva, jamon curado and jamon extra or any other generic term of jamon, is produced from compound fed pigs. It has Traditional Specialities Guaranteed status, this certification guarantees that a particular food product objectively possesses specific characteristics that differentiate it from all others in its category. and that its raw materials, composition or method of production have been consistent for a minimum of thirty years continously. 

Fresh jamones are trimmed, cleaned and covered with salt for a couple of weeks to draw off the excess moisture and to preserve the meat. The salt is washed off and the hams are hung to dry for about six months before being hung in the secaderos for between six and eighteen months.
With prosciutto the ham is similarly cleaned, salted and then left for a couple of months whilst it is gently, but firmly pressed to drain all the blood from the meat. The production process also varies in a few other ways too which help to create the very distinct flavours and textures of either respective hams.
As with all delicacies the particular branding of one jamon over another is extremely important to ensure one is enjoying the best products in its range. Spanish Pig take a great deal of pride in stocking the best sourced, highest quality brands. Our Hand Carved Serrano ham s a premium, top quality and masterfully carved here in Canada. This is an example of the best jamon serrano on the market. If you are looking for a whole leg of Serrano ham, then try this option from Redondo Iglesias.
Create the finest tapas possible from home with Spanish Pigs' jamones Serranos. Que aproveche!!