Barcelona Supermarket: Finding The Best Spanish Ham

Barcelona Editorial Teams

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Mar 31, 2025

51 visitor like this post

Share

Barcelona Supermarket: Finding the Best Spanish Ham

Barcelona, a city pulsating with life and culture, offers a culinary adventure around every corner. And no trip to Barcelona is complete without experiencing the exquisite taste of Spanish ham, or jamón. But with so many supermarkets and jamonerías (ham shops) vying for your attention, finding the best jamón can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the Barcelona supermarket scene and select the perfect slice of Iberian delight.

Understanding Spanish Ham: More Than Just Ham

Before we delve into where to buy, let's understand what makes Spanish ham so special. There's a significant difference between the various types:

Jamón Serrano vs. Jamón Ibérico:

• Jamón Serrano: This is the more common and generally less expensive type. It's made from white pigs and cured for a shorter period. While delicious, it lacks the intense flavour and marbling of its Iberian cousin. You'll find a wide range of Serrano ham in most Barcelona supermarkets.

• Jamón Ibérico: This is the king of Spanish hams. Made from Iberian pigs, a breed native to Spain and Portugal, it boasts a richer, more complex flavour thanks to the pigs' diet of acorns (bellota) and the longer curing process. Jamón Ibérico de Bellota is the highest quality, meaning the pigs were acorn-fed. This is a pricier option, but the taste is unparalleled.

What to Look For in a Supermarket:

When selecting jamón in a Barcelona supermarket, keep these points in mind:

• Look for the "Denominación de Origen" (DO): This label guarantees the ham's origin and production method, ensuring quality and authenticity. Look for labels like Guijuelo, Jabugo, or Los Pedroches, which indicate specific regions renowned for their ham production.

• Check the Appearance: The ham should have a deep, reddish-brown color. A good quality jamón Ibérico will show marbling (small streaks of fat) throughout the meat.

• Smell the Ham (if allowed): A fragrant, slightly salty aroma is a good sign. Avoid any ham with an unpleasant or sour smell.

• Read the Label Carefully: Pay attention to the type of ham (Serrano, Ibérico, Bellota), the curing time, and the producer.

Best Barcelona Supermarkets for Spanish Ham

While specialized jamonerías offer the widest selection and expert advice, several supermarkets in Barcelona provide a good selection of quality jamón:

• El Corte Inglés: This large department store chain typically carries a wide variety of both jamón serrano and jamón ibérico, including higher-end options. Their selection tends to be more extensive and higher quality than smaller supermarkets.

• Mercadona: A popular budget-friendly option, Mercadona offers a selection of jamón serrano at competitive prices. While they might not have the top-tier Ibérico, it's a good place to find decent quality at a lower cost.

• Carrefour: Similar to Mercadona, Carrefour offers a range of hams, with a decent selection of jamón serrano and some jamón ibérico options.

• Bonpreu: Another reliable supermarket chain, Bonpreu offers a solid range of Spanish hams, with a good balance of price and quality.

Beyond the Supermarket: Jamonerías for the Ultimate Experience

While supermarkets are convenient, for the ultimate jamón experience, consider visiting a traditional jamonería. These specialized shops offer a vast selection, expert advice, and often allow you to sample different hams before you buy. They'll expertly slice the ham for you, showcasing its beautiful marbling and rich flavor.

Conclusion: Your Barcelona Ham Adventure Awaits!

Finding the perfect Spanish ham in Barcelona is an exciting part of exploring the city's culinary scene. Whether you opt for the convenience of a supermarket or the expertise of a jamonería, remember to consider the type of ham, look for the "Denominación de Origen," and trust your senses. Enjoy your delicious discovery!