How to preserve Iberian ham under vacuum
Iberian ham is a gastronomic product native to our land, with a flavor, aroma, and texture that set it apart from any other food in the world. To fully enjoy it, you not only need to purchase the highest quality but also preserve it correctly so it doesn't lose its characteristics.
At Enrique Tomás, being passionate about ham as we are, we want you to savor it as if it were freshly sliced, and that's why we're going to explain how to vacuum-seal Iberian ham. You'll see how easy it is!
How to Preserve Vacuum-Packed Iberian Ham That Is Still Sealed
Vacuum-sealing is a preservation process that involves removing all the air from packaging using vacuum pumps to extend the shelf life of food. Thanks to the absence of oxygen, food doesn't oxidize as quickly, thus lasting longer. In the case of cured meats, such as Iberian ham from grain-fed or acorn-fed pigs, it also stops bacterial growth and extends its life.
A vacuum-sealed package can last up to 90 days if stored in good condition. It's important to note that while the meat may darken when the air is removed from the package, it will regain its usual color once the package is opened, and the ham comes into contact with oxygen again.
Vacuum-sealed Iberian cold cuts from Enrique Tomás
At Enrique Tomás, we offer vacuum-sealed packages of sliced ham, both machine-sliced and hand-carved, in 80-gram portions. We also have diced ham or ham in shavings.
All our products are vacuum-sealed to ensure they reach you and your loved ones in the best condition. But taking these precautions won't be useful if we don't provide you with the necessary information to do the same.
As the ham masters we are, we know that you need to consider two main recommendations for properly preserving vacuum-sealed Iberian ham:
Recommendations
- Do you need to store ham in the fridge? Not necessarily!
First and foremost, it's worth noting that you don't need to store vacuum-sealed ham in the fridge; it's sufficient to keep it in a dry, dark place with a temperature between 17 and 23°C. In other words, you can store it in your pantry without any issue. - Our motto is the following: "No one eats ham to stave off hunger." What do we mean by this?
Quite simply, ham is a delight, and you should savor it. When you decide to open a package, you don't have to eat a slice right away; you need to wait. If the slice remains stuck to the others when you remove it, it means it hasn't been exposed to oxygen yet, so you should wait a few minutes. You'll know the ham is at its optimal point when, upon opening the package, some slices naturally separate from each other. Only this way will you enjoy its full flavor and texture. You're in for a treat!
So, as we've explained, vacuum-sealed Iberian ham can last up to 90 days, which means you don't have to buy it for immediate consumption. You don't need to make frequent trips to your nearest Enrique Tomás store or gourmet supermarket for a package; you can buy several at once or even order them online from our website.
You'll have them available whenever you want!
How to Preserve Vacuum-Sealed Iberian Ham Once Opened
For us, ham is not just delicious food; it's an experience to enjoy with the people you love. When you open a package of ham, it's normal for it to be consumed quickly, but if you don't finish it, don't worry—you can save it for later.
The first thing to consider is that you can indeed store ham in the fridge, but it's advisable to wrap it well. The vacuum seal has already been broken, and the Iberian ham has come into contact with oxygen again.
Wrap the package in plastic wrap, but remember it's best to consume it as soon as possible to prevent it from drying out. If, for some reason, you don't consume it, and when you go to use it, it has dried out, don't worry. You can use it to make croquettes or scrambled eggs with ham.
So, now that you know how to preserve vacuum-sealed Iberian ham, you can rest assured that following our advice will keep it in excellent condition.
