Cecina, the great treasure of León

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Cecina, the great treasure of León

Cecina de León is an ancestral delicacy of Spanish gastronomy, comparable in prestige to ham but made from cured beef, specifically cuts such as tapa, babilla or contra. Cecina is a traditional Spanish sausage that stands out for its smoky flavor and its slow and meticulous curing process.

What is the origin of cured meat?

Originally from the province of León, cecina is made mainly with beef, especially native breeds such as the blonde cow and the morucha cow. This meat is salted and air-cured for several weeks, giving it its firm texture and characteristic flavor.

This sausage dates back to ancient times, where Leonese shepherds used salting and smoking techniques to preserve beef for long periods of time. This tradition has been maintained over the centuries, turning cecina into a culinary symbol of the Leonese region.

A unique gastronomic experience

Cecina de León offers a unique gastronomic experience, with a smoky, slightly salty flavor and nuances of cured meat, it is a delight for the most demanding palates. Each slice of jerky awakens the senses with its penetrating aroma and its firm but tender texture when chewed. This sausage is best enjoyed in thin slices, which melt in the mouth leaving a smoky aftertaste that lingers.

Jerky production process

The process of making cecina is meticulous and artisanal. It all starts with the selection of high-quality beef, specifically cuts such as tapa, babilla or contra.

The meat is subjected to a salting process for several days, which allows it to be partially dehydrated and preserved. After salting, the meat is washed to remove excess salt and left to rest. Subsequently, it is cured in special chambers where temperature and humidity are rigorously controlled.

Jerky is cured for at least seven months, although this period can be extended to two to four years to obtain a higher quality product. During this time, the meat acquires its distinctive organoleptic characteristics: a deep aroma, concentrated flavor and firm texture.

Recipes

Cecina de León is a versatile ingredient that can transform any dish into a gastronomic delight. Here we present some recipes that stand out for their simplicity and for highlighting the unique flavor of jerky:

Cured meat and goat cheese salad

Ingredients:

  • Cecina de León in thin slices

  • Goat cheese

  • Arugula

  • Cherry tomatoes

  • Extra virgin olive oil

  • Balsamic vinegar

  • Salt and pepper

Preparation:

  1. Place the beef jerky slices on a plate.

  2. Add pieces of goat cheese and arugula.

  3. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the plate.

  4. Dress with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.

Jerky and avocado toast

Ingredients:

  • Sourdough bread

  • Ripe avocado

  • Cecina de León in thin slices

  • Arugula

  • Extra virgin olive oil

  • Salt and pepper

Preparation:

  1. Toast slices of sourdough bread.

  2. Spread ripe avocado on toast.

  3. Place slices of cured meat on the avocado.

  4. Add fresh arugula.

  5. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

Asparagus wrapped in jerky

Ingredients:

  • Fresh green asparagus

  • Slices of Leon cured meat

  • Extra virgin olive oil

  • Salt and pepper

Preparation:

  1. Wrap each green asparagus in a slice of jerky.

  2. Place the wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet.

  3. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Bake at 180°C for 10-15 minutes, until the jerky is crispy.

Cecina de León is much more than a sausage; It is an important part of the region's gastronomic culture, enjoyed in both simple dishes and gourmet recipes. Take advantage of its unique flavor and nutritional benefits by incorporating it into your daily cooking.

 
Posted in: Other, Cecina, Gourmet

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