Hams is a subcategory comprising 14 products, offering whole pieces of jamón as an exceptional gift. The top of the range consists of Cinco Jotas (5J) Jamón Bellota on the bone and Joselito Jamón Ibérico de Bellota (Pata Negra), complemented by hams from Jamones Blázquez, Montesano, Del Abuelo, Pesón, Monte Roble and Jamones de Juviles. A number of products are available as a complete set with a stand and knife, ready for slicing straight away.
How to find your way around this category
Top-end gifts (Cinco Jotas, Joselito Pata Negra) represent the absolute peak of jamón ibérico de bellota from the most prestigious producers - an exceptional gift for a true connoisseur. Jamón Serrano (Montesano, Del Abuelo) is a more affordable but still very high-quality choice. Sets with a stand and knife are practically ready to use straight away, ideal for recipients who have not yet carved a jamón at home.
For an exceptional occasion and a discerning recipient, choose Cinco Jotas or Joselito, while for a more all-round gift a quality Jamón Serrano with a stand and knife will do.
Overview of the range
Product
Quality category
Weight
Cinco Jotas (5J) Bellota
Ibérico de Bellota, top tier
8.5 kg
Joselito Pata Negra
Ibérico de Bellota, top tier
approx. 9 kg
Jamones Blázquez Ibérico de Cebo
Ibérico de Cebo
7-8 kg
Montesano / Del Abuelo Serrano
Serrano Gran Reserva/Reserva
6-7.8 kg
Pesón Paleta Serrana
Serrano, shoulder
4 kg
You will always find the exact weight, ageing time and contents of the set in the detail of the particular product.
Why a whole jamón as a gift
In Spanish culture a whole jamón is a symbol of hospitality and of a festive occasion - it is typically carved gradually over longer celebrations or family gatherings. Thanks to its long shelf life (months when stored correctly), it is a gift that is not eaten all at once but becomes part of a gastronomic experience for a long time to come. Sets with a stand and knife also remove the one obstacle - the need for your own carving equipment.
The highest category of jamón, ibérico de bellota, comes from pigs pastured on acorns in the open - this way of rearing is the key reason for both the higher price and the exceptional flavour of Cinco Jotas and Joselito.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Jamón Ibérico de Bellota and Serrano?
Ibérico de Bellota comes from Iberian pigs pastured on acorns and is the highest quality class, while Serrano comes from ordinary white pigs and is more affordable, though still a quality choice.
What does the set with a stand and knife contain?
The set contains a whole piece of ham, a wooden stand (jamonero) to hold it in place while carving and a specialised long knife for thin slices.
How long does a whole jamón last once it has been opened?
When stored correctly (in a cool place, with the cut surface covered), a whole jamón lasts for several months after carving has begun.
Why are Cinco Jotas and Joselito so much more expensive?
They are the most prestigious producers of Iberian ham, with a long ageing time and strictly controlled rearing of the pigs on an acorn diet, which is reflected in both the price and the exceptional quality.
Is it a good idea to send a whole jamón as a gift over a long distance?
Yes, the hams are packed so that they withstand transport and storage, and they are a popular, impressive gift even over long distances.
The budget and how discerning the recipient is. Also: for an exceptional occasion, choose Cinco Jotas or Joselito.
What we base this on
On information from the individual jamón producers. Also: we verify the exact weight and ageing time on the particular product.
Where the limits are
The highest category of jamón has a high purchase price, and some pieces are temporarily sold out. Also: you will find current availability in the product detail.
What this category does not cover
Neither packaged slices nor smaller portions of ham. Also: you will find those in the Hams and salami category.