Jamón: Spain’s Most Iconic Food (Yes, It’s That Good!)

Alright, folks, it's time to dive into one of Spain’s most iconic foods—jamón! People on our walking tours always ask about this delicious delight, so we thought, "Why not give you a crash course?" So here’s a tasty little guide to satisfy your curiosity.

A masterfully thin slice of Jamón Ibérico being carved, showcasing the rich marbling and vibrant color that defines Spain’s prized ham

What Exactly is Jamón?

Let’s clear this up first: jamón means ham (yes, the same ham you’re thinking of). But we're talking about the glorious, dry-cured ham that Spain is famous for. Specifically, it comes from the hind legs of the pig. Now that we’ve covered that, let’s get into the different types of jamón you can savor (yes, there’s more than one kind!) and how to tell them apart.

The Different Types of Jamón:

1. Jamón Serrano: Literally translated as “Ham from the Sierra,” this one is made from common breeds of pigs like landrace or Duroc. Think of this as your delicious, everyday ham with mountain vibes.

   
   

2. Jamón Ibérico: Translation? “Iberian Ham.” This bad boy comes from a specific pig breed found only in Spain. You can spot these pigs by their famous black hoof, hence the name “pata negra.”

   
   

3. Jamón Ibérico de Bellota: Now we’re getting fancy—this one means “Acorn Iberian Ham.” It’s the same Iberian pig, but with a gourmet twist. These pigs feast on a luxurious diet of acorns and grass, which takes the flavor to another level—and yes, the price too!

Iberian pigs grazing freely in a sunlit field, feeding on acorns and grass—a key factor in the rich flavor of Jamón Ibérico de Bellota

Fun Facts About Jamón (Impress Your Friends!)

• The Roman Empire found jamón here when they arrived—yep, it’s that old.

  
  

• Each pig needs at least 1 hectare of land to get enough food—so they’re living large!

  
  

• From birth to plate, it takes about 8 years before this ham reaches your mouth!

  
  

• It’s not just tasty; jamón is surprisingly healthy (your heart will thank you).

  
  

• The Guinness World Record for the most expensive leg of jamón is 4,000€. Talk about a splurge!

Now you can confidently declare yourself a jamón expert! Of course, there’s more to this Spanish delicacy than what we’ve covered here, but you’re off to a great start. So, when you visit Spain (and you absolutely should), make sure to try all the types of jamón and drop a comment below to share your experience!

P.S. If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, don’t forget to book a spot on one of our Madrid City Tours. You’ll get a history lesson, explore Madrid’s markets, and—of course—sample some of the best tapas in Madrid. See you soon!