- The Ham Cut -
It is the usual form of consumption in Spain, which requires a correct cut and by hand, to obtain very thin, almost transparent slices. It is recommended to use a special support for cutting hams called "jamonero" or "jamonera" since its hand holding is reserved for authentic cutting specialists.
The cut should be made with a very sharp knife, with a long and narrow blade, in this order:
1. The piece must be cleaned beforehand, removing the skin and the excess of bacon so that it can start to be cut without difficulty. The pieces of bacon that have been removed must be kept so that, once the cutting task is completed, they cover the part of the ham that is left in the air, for optimal preservation.
2. CONTRAMAZA
It is the part that is presented with the hoof facing down. It is narrow because it soon reaches the bone, with less fat coverage, although it is especially tasty.
3. TIP
It is the area opposite the hoof and the extreme part of the piece. It offers a short cut by hand, from which small slices are usually obtained. It is generally the most appreciated part of tasting.
4. MAZA
It is presented with the hoof facing up. It is the widest and juiciest part with the highest fat coverage. It also offers a large cutting surface, which allows it to obtain greater performance.
The cut will be made gently but with a firm pulse, downwards, following the direction of the muscle fibers and taking care to remove the hand that does not always hold the knife behind it.
Tips for cutting boneless ham
It is the most widely used form for export from Spain, mainly due to the ease it offers for cutting by machine. This ham has been made in the same way as ham with bone, although the bone has been removed at the end of the maturing process and before packaging.
1. PEELED AND DEGREASED
If the ham is not already peeled and defatted, it should be done as a previous step to its mechanical cutting. The defat must be superficial so that there is always a sufficient layer of fat so that the lean is not unprotected
2. PREPARATION OF THE CUT
Before placing the ham in the cutting machine, the piece will be divided. The cut can be done in two ways:
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Longitudinally, from the knuckle to the tip or vice versa
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Crosswise, from the hub to the tip (see photo)
3. Sliced
Before placing the piece in the cutting machine, the blade will be adjusted. Subsequently, the ham will be cut trying to make the resulting slices very thin.
