Somewhere in Spain a pig is hobbling along on three legs so that I could enjoy the porky pieces of love pictured above. Not just any three legged pig mind you, but a chubby hog who was destined to become jamon iberico, the product from these acorn lovin' bristly haired beasts. These pigs have an odd affinity for acorns, and that is what gives them their, yes, slightly nutty flavor. Jamon iberico was only recently allowed import into the U.S., and all I can say is it's about time! My sis brought over five thin slices of this...gulp...$100 a pound treasure. $9 worth of cured pork. How was it? Deliciously deep in aroma and flavor, more so than most prosciutto, a little gamier (in a good, more complex way) with perfect texture. I've had it before, but last night's bits that came from PDX's Foster and Dobbs was the best I've had. It's a lot to pay, but is worth throwing down a couple of bucks for a slice or two just to experience ham like no other. You're worth it, I promise. If not for yourself, then for that cute little pig who gave up a quarter of his mobility so that you might eat better.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Ham-a-licious
Somewhere in Spain a pig is hobbling along on three legs so that I could enjoy the porky pieces of love pictured above. Not just any three legged pig mind you, but a chubby hog who was destined to become jamon iberico, the product from these acorn lovin' bristly haired beasts. These pigs have an odd affinity for acorns, and that is what gives them their, yes, slightly nutty flavor. Jamon iberico was only recently allowed import into the U.S., and all I can say is it's about time! My sis brought over five thin slices of this...gulp...$100 a pound treasure. $9 worth of cured pork. How was it? Deliciously deep in aroma and flavor, more so than most prosciutto, a little gamier (in a good, more complex way) with perfect texture. I've had it before, but last night's bits that came from PDX's Foster and Dobbs was the best I've had. It's a lot to pay, but is worth throwing down a couple of bucks for a slice or two just to experience ham like no other. You're worth it, I promise. If not for yourself, then for that cute little pig who gave up a quarter of his mobility so that you might eat better.
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6 comments:
Yum. I'm definitely going to have to give this jamon a try. Thanks for the heads up!
I have been wondering if it was worth the price. I think we are going to have to drop a few bucks F&D's just to taste it.
That place is right around the corner from me. I've gone in to buy cheese but never the ham. Will have to try.
You obviously have the best sister EVER. Thanks for the virtual taste.
dp....you are so lucky to live so close to Luan and Tim's store. They have a great cheese selection, too. My sister lives near there, so we've been regular recipients of the F&D love!
dds......yeah, she's pretty cool....and she shares!
Can you believe a friend of mine, living in Barcelona, treated me to some Ibericò last time we met, at home in Belgium? He picked it up at El Corte Inglés... And can you believe we had a whole packet untouched... that I got to take through customs into Portland!!! shhhhhhh... Ahh. unfortunately it's gone now... Some seriously melt-in-the-mouth good stuff...
Glad you liked it too :)
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