The Iberian ham and its fat: A couple should not be separated

Are you one of those who take the fat out of slices of Iberian ham because it may be healthier? If you do it and you think you are doing your body a favor by eliminating fats, you are wrong. We will explain why.

iberian ham fat should no separate

Why we should not remove the fat from the iberian ham?

  • First of all you should know that you are removing part of the essence of the Iberian ham, since it alters the flavor and texture.

Each slice usually has a small part of fat, in addition to the characteristic streaks of fat that you will find in the lean (the reddest part). This fat will be the identity mark of a good Iberian ham, since its color and smell will be the guarantee that the pig has fed on acorns.

  • Second, but not least, you are losing a great nutritional contribution! This natural fat is plenty, of monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid and many of the highest quality proteins will help you maintain good cardiovascular health, as they increase good cholesterol levels and reduce the bad one.

This ham fat is comparable to what we can find in olive oil, avocado or grape seeds oil. Therefore, consuming it daily and in normal amounts will be beneficial to your health.

The nutritional value of 100 grams of Iberian ham, will be the following:

  • Calories: 241 kcal
  • Proteins: 31 gr
  • Fat: 13 gr
  • Carbohydrates: 0 gr
  • Calcium: 12.7 mg
  • Iron: 2.3 mg
  • Magnesium: 17.1 mg
  • Zinc: 2.2 mg
  • Potassium: 160 mg
  • Phosphorus: 180 mg

So you know, if you already enjoyed the slices of Iberian ham with its fat, well done! And if you were one of those who looked at it suspiciously, we invite you to discover a new universe of flavors, which will provide benefits to your health.

Remember that we are talking about the properties of the Iberian ham fat, which are not the same as those of the fat in the serrano ham.

As you know, serrano ham comes from other pig breeds that because of their physical characteristics assimilate fat in a different way than that of the Iberian, that is why our Iberian pig is so special and valued.

Enjoy your meal!