Some folks call it the 119th element on the Periodic Table, others see it as a century-old culinary tradition, and some link it to happy animal welfare outcomes. We’re talking about Iberian Black ham, also known as Jamón Ibérico. In Barcelona, the Jamón Experience lets you discover the different qualities of this ham—and, even better, taste them!
As the name suggests, this ham comes from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Portugal and Spain. No other countries can label their ham as Ibérico. The rules are strict: only Black Iberian pigs, also known as pata negra, qualify. These pigs must roam freely in oak forests and eat acorns during the last part of their lives to get the prestigious Jamón Ibérico de Bellota label.
But it’s not just about the pigs’ breed and diet; the curing process is crucial, too. It takes at least twelve months to cure the ham, though some producers go for up to 48 months. You can compare ham to wine—you have various factors influencing the final product, such as species, environmental conditions, and post-harvest processing. Like wines, Spanish hams have their own Denominación de Origen, depending on the region.
If you think all hams taste the same, you might be in for a surprise. Just as not all wines are alike, the same goes for ham. Think of it like trying a high-end Amarone or Rioja Gran Reserva for the first time after only drinking cheap reds. My own “aha” moment happened at the Jamón Experience in Barcelona, the first multisensory space dedicated to the world of ham. Why not? Like wine tasting rooms in every wine region, this space celebrates a true Spanish delicacy.
The visit starts with a multimedia introduction to the pigs’ lives, their diet, and the curing process. Then comes the best part—tasting the ham! Samples range from Jamón Reserva cured for 12 months to Jamón Ibérico cured for 24 months, and the top-tier Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, cured for 36 months, from regions like Huelva, Pedroches, Extremadura, and Guijuelo.
Guides explain the differences between the hams during the tasting, which you can enjoy with your choice of wine, beer, or water. Feeling happy, informed, and definitely full, we left the Jamón Experience eager to explore more of Barcelona. It’s a fun and educational activity for all ages, well worth the 19€ entry fee, and a nice break from the typical tourist attractions in Barcelona.
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