Iberian ham and Iberian shoulder, two products of high quality and exceptional flavour. If you are thinking of buying Iberian products, it is important to know the differences and similarities between these two delicious options of Spanish gastronomy. Although they come from the same animal, there are differences in weight, percentage of fat and flavour, with the shoulder being much "stronger" and the ham more delicate.
Differences between Iberico shoulder and Iberian ham
The main difference between both pieces is the part of the pig from which they are made. The Iberico pork shoulder comes from the front leg of the pig, while the Iberico ham is made from the hind leg. Due to this, the shoulder has less meat than the ham.
An Iberian ham weighs between 6kg if it is 100% acorn-fed Iberian, and 7kg for the Cebo and Cebo de Campo ham, up to 10kg or more. Meanwhile, Iberian pork shoulders weigh between 4kg and 6kg, with some pieces exceeding this weight.
As you probably know if you are a regular consumer of cured ham, there are three types of quality for Iberian ham or shoulder. You can read this article to expand your knowledge.
Another relevant difference is the yield of the pieces, that is how much of the total weight of the ham or pork shoulder is used.
Curing time
Another difference between Iberian pork shoulder and ham is the curing time. Spanish Ham is cured for a longer period of time than the shoulder, allowing it to acquire a more complex flavor and aroma, with more subtle nuances than the shoulder, which has a stronger taste.
The minimum curing time for jamon iberico is 24 months for Cebo and Cebo de Campo hams, and a minimum of 36 months for 100% acorn-fed Iberian "pata negra" hams. Meanwhile, Iberian pork shoulders are cured for a period of between 16 and 24 months, depending on whether they are acorn-fed or fed with cereals (Cebo).
Similarities between Iberico shoulder and Iberico ham
Both Iberian "paleta" and Iberian ham are made from Iberian pigs, an indigenous breed from the Iberian Peninsula that is characterized by its intramuscular fat infiltration, which gives a unique aroma, texture, and flavor to the meat.
Both the front and hind legs come from the same animal, resulting in two hams and two shoulders per pig.
The animal's diet is the same since both products come from the same. Both, hams and acorn-fed iberico pork shoulders, as well as Cebo de Campo hams and "paletas," come from pigs raised freely throughout their entire life stage and their feeding during the fattening period, known as the "montanera," is exclusively based on wild fruits and pasture present in the "dehesas."
On the other hand, both Iberian cebo hams and shoulders of the same category come from intensively raised Iberian pigs, that is, on a farm and fed exclusively with high-quality cereals.
How much do you get from an Iberian ham and shoulder?
It should be noted that, without exception, there is always less meat in an Iberian pork shoulder than in a ham, as the piece is smaller, but the real difference is in the proportion of meat that can be obtained from each piece.
Jamón Ibérico already have a much higher percentage of fat than Serrano hams. In the case of Iberian pork shoulders, this percentage is higher, and can reach up to 30% of the total weight of the piece, especially in 100% acorn-fed Iberian shoulders.
Price of Ham and Shoulder
Price is also an important difference when buying Spanish hams or Shoulders. Due to the ham having more meat and a longer curing time, its price is generally higher than that of the shoulder. In general terms, we could say that the price per kg of a ham is twice that of a shoulder.
Where to buy a good Spanish Ham?
When buying these products online, it is important to choose a trusted ham shop that guarantees quality and authenticity. It is advisable for it to be a specialised shop with a wide variety of options of Iberian shoulder and Iberian ham, both acorn-fed and fattened.
You should also pay attention to the information provided about the origin and breeding of the pigs, as well as the curing time of each piece. This will allow us to choose the option that best suits our tastes and preferences.
We can assure you that the Iberian shoulder and the Iberian ham are two delicious and high quality options that are worth trying. Although they differ in terms of the part of the animal, the feed, the curing time and the price, both products have in common the origin of Iberian pigs. If you are looking to buy Spanish hams, do not hesitate to have a look for the Online Jamón Pasión store, a website specialising in high quality Iberian products.