Hamon with melon - a unique combination

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

It would seem that some strange combination of s alty and sweet - jamon with melon. Many people sincerely do not understand how this can be eaten. It is common for everyone that different types of meat are served for snacks, and melon is for sweets. I wonder where such a strange combination came from then, which is considered to be just an appetizer.

It is believed that this combination is not for everyone, but very often this opinion is dispelled as soon as a person tries this dish. He immediately becomes a follower.

What is jamon

Perhaps for some, "jamon" is an unfamiliar word. No wonder, because this is a Spanish delicacy. Recently, this product has been sanctioned and is no longer sold in Russian stores.

Jamon is made from pork ham. The peculiarity lies in the fact that not any pig is suitable for cooking, but only a certain breed, moreover, fed exclusively on acorns.

Cooking process

First, the ham is generously sprinkled with s alt. This is done so that unnecessary moisture is released faster. The process can take anywhere from six months to two years. It all depends on the weight of the ham and the climate of the area where it is made. Usually the s alting time is calculatedaccording to the formula - one day for each kilogram of meat. They try to start this process in winter or spring to take advantage of the natural increase in temperature. Closer to autumn, jamon is moved to the cellars, where the curing process takes place.

Where the jamon is made

Produce jamon throughout Spain. One of the favorite delicacies over time has become an integral part of the national culture. The Spaniards keep ancient recommendations for the preparation of jamon, the slaughter of animals and the s alting procedure. Since ancient times, it was the Spanish product that was popular. It is even known that many rulers of Ancient Rome mentioned him in correspondence.

And indeed, there is something to be proud of and admire. Along with great taste and low production costs, jamon also has a long shelf life. For this reason, it was also very much loved by the military at all times, often taken with them as a nutritious product on their campaigns.

Rules for storage and cutting

The Spaniards pay special attention to the storage of jamon. According to the rules, it must be kept suspended by the hoof. Before cutting, the ham is attached to a special stand to cut. By the way, this is a whole art.

Traditionally, jamon is cut into thin pieces along the bone. For this action, of course, not any knife is suitable, but a special one - very sharp, long, with a thin blade.

In Spain, there is even such a profession - a cortador, that is, a person who knows how to cut jamon. Most often, this skill is passed from father to son, fromgeneration to generation.

Serving jamon with melon

There probably isn't a restaurant in Spain that doesn't offer ham dishes for a starter. There are even so-called "jamon museums" - restaurants where jamon hams are hung on the walls. But the filing depends not only on the institution itself, but also on the Spanish province in which it is located. Each area has its own characteristics and its own highlight of the presentation. Melon with jamon is especially popular. The name of this dish is not defined anywhere, as each institution names its creations differently.

For example, in Andorra they serve melons of different varieties wrapped in jamon plates. It turns out a colorful and original snack. In Catalonia, they like to decorate this dish with olives or season with olive oil. Lemon or lime juice is also sometimes added here. Moreover, with oil and lemon juice, you need to grease not jamon, but pieces of melon. Let them stand for a while and then wrap them in meat.

Very popular canape with jamon and melon on skewers. They also add white bread or hard cheese. Decorate with fresh herbs. Bon appetit!