Types Of Spanish Charcuterie Meats
BEST SPANISH CURED MEATS YOU NEED TO TRY
When you visit a new country it’s important to learn about its history, culture, architecture… but it’s equally important to discover the typical food locals usually eat. One of the most typical things here are Spanish cured meats. In a sandwich, as a snack, over a toast or however you like. Locals will often improvise a quick informal dinner with just some bread with tomato (pa amb tomaquet), cheeses and some Spanish charcuterie.
This is our selection of favorite Spanish cold cuts:
1
Spanish Ham
Spanish ham is the most popular cured meat: the delicacy that you should not leave the country without trying! Jamon is made from the leg of a pig, cured in salt and dried for a few months. The cheap one is called Jamon Serrano, and it’s usually cured in high altitudes with low and dry temperatures. But don’t go for it: choose Jamón de Bellota instead, more expensive but a delicacy to the palate. Learn here the secrets of the King of Spanish charcuterie.
2
Chorizo
Lovers of intense flavors must try chorizo: a red sausage elaborated with pork minced meat and species such as pepper and garlic, responsible for its spicy touches and intense red/maroon color. Chorizo is very popular in Spain and each region elaborates its own variety with different species.
3
Salchichón and Fuet
Although the origin of Salchichón is Greek and Roman, Spain has become a huge producer of this cold meat. There is a thousand ways of preparing it: in Catalonia one of our favorite versions is called Fuet, presented as a thin and long sausage. Both are done with pork minced meat, some black pepper, salt and some other species.
4
Bull
Despite its name, it’s not a cold cut made from a bull, but still, it’s only for the adventurous: This rather thick sausage is very typical from Catalonia and Valencia and it’s done with minced pork mixed with species, then boiled.
There are different varieties: the white one is made with meat and fat and occasionally egg, while the black one incorporates blood pudding, which turns darker when cooked. Bull made with liver or tongue is also very appreciated.
5
Lomo
Lomo is dried pork loin macerated with species and salt during a few days, then dried for a few more days. It’s not as popular that the other sausages but it’s very tasty. And if it’s from Iberian pigs…it’s terrific! It often makes any Spanish charcuterie board of the best tapas bars.
AND BONUS! Did you know one of the most popular Spanish cured meats is something between a sausage and a spread?
6
Sobrasada
This cured meat comes from the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca…) and it’s made with salted minced pork, paprika and some other species. It must be left to dry for one month at least, depending on how thick the sausage is. In the Balearic Islands the sausage is so thick they can eat it sliced (and they love it also fried with honey, a very interesting sweet and sour contrast).
In the Islands they also have a quite spicy version of it. Instead, in the rest of Spain you’ll find a softer variety (not spicy at all), that is usually spread over bread or toast or even on a sandwich. Probably one of the most interesting Spanish cold meats you’ll find!
Have you tried any of these Spanish cold cuts?
Marta
Marta is the founder of ForeverBarcelona. She is a passionate tour guide that loves Barcelona and loves writing too. She is the main author of our Blog, and is committed to sharing her knowledge about Barcelona and her best tips with our readers.
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Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
