The main difference lies in the breed: Serrano ham comes from the white or non-Iberian pig, while Iberian ham comes from the Iberian breed, which is unique to the Iberian Peninsula.  

Although this type of ham can be found all over the world, as we have said, depending on the breed of white pig it comes from and the treatment and curing time it is given, we can identify different flavors, qualities or characteristics that differentiate the ham from each region or country.

In Spain we are expert ham producers, we have been dedicated for many years to the breeding of the white pig and the Iberian pig (unique and exclusive to the Iberian Peninsula) and we have managed to position ham as a star product in the gastronomy of the whole world. Our experience in the ham production and curing process is unique. For this reason, Spanish Serrano ham, which we call Gran Reserva, has an added value in our land.

Because it is a ham selected following very exhaustive quality controls. In the curing process we maintain enough fat so that the ham can be cured for 18 months, exceeding the curing time of the rest of the Serrano hams on the market. For Enrique Tomás, the process of care and pampering is the same for all his hams, whether Iberian or non-Iberian, so that the result is a tasty ham, of exceptional quality and one of the best on the market.

On our website you can identify it by its creamy color label, which includes the 3 Enrique Tomás stars.

Answer this question with another one: Do I master the slicing technique? If you have never sliced ham, or you feel insecure, it is best to order it already sliced because not only will you not hurt yourself, but you will get more ham than if you cut it yourself because our experts make the most of it.

On the other hand, the great advantage of ordering it sliced is that you can consume it as you need it over several months, while if you buy it whole (with bone) it is recommended to consume it in about three weeks and the shoulder in two weeks.

Although there is a belief that Serrano ham is not meant to be eaten on its own, but rather as an accompaniment to dishes or in the form of a sandwich, this is not true. Gran Reserva Serrano ham is good enough to be enjoyed on its own. It can be eaten at any time of the day, at breakfast, lunch, snack or dinner. Depending on the purpose and what each person wants, it can be eaten as a sandwich, in cubes as a tapa, in slices as an appetizer or in small cubes or shavings as the star ingredient of any dish.

The whole piece should be kept in a cool, dry place, preferably hanging or in a ham holder. Once the ham has been started, it should be consumed in less than 21 days so that it maintains all its flavor, quality and properties. In summer it should be consumed in less than 16 days. Cut each time only the ham that is going to be consumed at that moment and put a lint-free cloth over it so that it is not exposed to light and is as little exposed to the air as possible until the next time it is to be cut again.