Why Jamon Iberico is the Right Choice.
In Latvia, pork, which is traditionally available, is not considered a product that belongs to the healthy category. It contains a lot of bad fats, raises cholesterol levels in the blood with all the resulting consequences. Also, the smoked and dried pork products so characteristic of Latvian cuisine are not considered healthy.And completely opposite to that is the Iberian black pig, whose cured ham is recommended by doctors for regular consumption and is considered a component of the healthy Mediterranean diet.
How is that possible? That is a completely logical question.
The answer lies in the genetics, breeding, and feeding process of these Iberian pigs.
The cured ham jamon iberico from Iberian black pigs is obtained only from black pigs bred in Spain and Portugal.
Do not confuse it with Italian prosciutto or Spanish jamon serrano, which are completely different. These hams are made from white pig breeds, and they differ in taste, fat quality and price. These pigs are usually kept on farms with controlled feeding and do not graze freely like Iberian pigs in Spain.
The difference between a pig raised in the wild and one kept in a closed environment is significant, and this also explains the price difference. The fat composition of the pig also depends directly on feeding and movement regime.
Iberian pigs mostly graze freely, so the fats formed in Iberian pigs and found in the muscles contain a particularly high amount of oleic acid, thanks to a natural diet of acorns. Thus, the high content of good fatty acids and the relatively low amount of saturated fats help explain the distinctive character of Iberian ham.
100 g of ham contains about 250-300 kcal, the recommended consumption is no more than 100 g per day. The salt content is not higher than in similar products.
So, a summary of the positive effects of Iberian ham on health
Healthy properties
• Heart healthy: rich in monounsaturated fatty acids.
• Less saturated fat than in some other red meats.
• Rich source of vitamins: especially B1 and B12.
• Excellent protein quality: easily digestible, with a high amino acid content.
• High iron and zinc content.
Ideal also for children and teenagers
Jamón ibérico is a protein-rich food that can be part of a varied diet when consumed appropriately.
Explore Jamon Iberico at the Marbona online shop