Guide to buying Iberian ham
Ham or shoulder, what each coloured tag means, acorn-fed or free-range, how to store it and where to buy it in Madrid. A guide by Corredera Gourmet.
What our customers ask every day at our shop on Calle de la Puebla, 15, explained simply.
What is the difference between ham and shoulder (paleta)?
Ham is the pig's hind leg and paleta is the front leg. A shoulder is smaller, has less meat and a more intense flavour, and costs less overall. A ham is bigger and gives more slices.
What does the colour of the Iberian ham tag mean?
Spain's Iberian quality standard (Royal Decree 4/2014) sets four colours: black, 100% Iberian acorn-fed; red, Iberian acorn-fed (crossbred); green, free-range Iberian (cebo de campo); and white, Iberian cebo.
Which is better, acorn-fed or free-range (cebo de campo) ham?
Acorn-fed ham comes from pigs fattened in the dehesa on acorns and pasture: more aromatic, with silkier fat and a higher price. Cebo de campo combines feed and pasture: a balanced flavour and an excellent everyday choice.
How much meat does a whole ham give?
As a guide, a little under half of the piece's weight ends up as slices: an 8 kg ham gives about 3.5 to 4 kg of carved ham. The rest is bone, rind and fat, which are good for stock.
How do I store a whole ham and sliced packs?
Keep a whole ham somewhere cool and dry, covering the cut with its own fat and a cotton cloth. Vacuum packs go in the fridge and are best opened about 15 minutes before serving, so the fat regains its shine and aroma.
Can you carve the ham for me?
Yes. At Corredera Gourmet we hand-carve and vacuum pack whole hams free of charge. Take it in ready-to-serve packs or as a whole uncut piece.
Where can I buy Iberian ham in central Madrid?
At Corredera Gourmet, Calle de la Puebla 15, between Gran Vía and Malasaña. We stock 5 Jotas, Joselito, Dehesa de Extremadura, Guijuelo and cebo de campo hams, plus shoulders. Order online and pick up in store or have it delivered.
- 5 Jotas Acorn-Fed Iberian Ham · Whole Piece — 625,00 € · Peso aproximado: 7 a 8 kg
- Joselito Gran Reserva Ham · Whole Piece — 670,00 € · Peso aproximado: 7 a 8 kg
- Extremadura Iberian Ham · Whole Piece — 440,00 € · Peso aproximado: 7 a 8 kg
- Cebo de Campo Iberian Ham · Whole Piece — 280,00 € · Peso según pieza seleccionada
- Guijuelo Ham · Whole Piece — 200,00 € · Peso aproximado: 7 a 8 kg · de 200 € a 275 € la pieza
- 100% Iberian Acorn-Fed Shoulder · Whole Piece — 44,00 € / kg · Precio por kilo según pieza
- Free-Range Iberian Shoulder (Cebo de Campo) · Whole Piece — 25,99 € / kg · Peso aproximado: 5 a 6,5 kg
Calle de la Puebla, 15 · 28004 Madrid · WhatsApp +34 640 34 19 32 · Tel. 919 47 14 49 · vallejolorenzocb@gmail.com
Horario tienda gourmet: L–J: 9:00–14:30 y 17:30–21:00 · V: 9:00–14:30 y 17:30–22:00 · S: 9:00–14:30 y 17:30–23:00 (Domingos y festivos cerrado). Bakery & Café: L–J: 08:00 – 21:00, V–S: 08:00 – 23:00, D: 09:00 – 20:00.