How to buy a WHOLE JAMÓN!

Tips and tricks for buying an entire jamón! Which grade do you buy, where do you buy it and how do you care for it once you get it home. Join us on our journey as we buy our FIRST JAMÓN! Venga, let’s go! 🥝
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MORE ABOUT THIS VIDEO 😃
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Article explaining the different grades of jamón: theblackhoof.co.uk/spanish-ha...
I’ve eaten a lot of jamón in Spain, but I’ve never actually bought a whole one. Why? They’re expensive. It’s complicated (do you go jamón Serrano, jamón ibérico, jamón ibérico de bellota?). Plus you have to know how to care for it. And you have to be able to get through it within about a month. That’s a lot of pressure.
But finally, this Christmas, when my family was coming to visit from New Zealand, Yoly and I decided to take the plunge and buy an entire ham. And this is our story.
We went to the fantastic Madrid ham shop, Mercado Jamón Ibérico, where the owner Luismi gave us three different grades to taste (with cava!) to help us make our decision. Once we chose the ham, he opened it for us using various knives and gave us tips on how to care for it and also gave me a crash course in carving it.
Then we took it home… the pressure! We stored it in the kitchen, but decided to leave a window open to keep the temperature cool.
A few tips that we learned:
1. The front leg - a paletilla - is a great cost-effective way to get a jamón. They’re cheaper because they contain less meat. But that also means that if there are only a few of you, you have a decent chance of getting through it before it dries out.
2. If possible, buy it from a where they will open it for you so you can get it home and simply start eating.
3. As you work your way through it, cover the exposed meat with slices of fat from the ham. This keeps the meat moist.
4. If you can’t get through the whole ham and you’re worried it’s going to dry out, simply take it back to where you bought it and ask them to cut it into slices and vacuum seal the slices. Then you can keep them in the fridge for a few months. Just remember that when you go to eat them, you need to leave them out to bring them up to room temperature for eating.
WHO ARE WE? 🥝
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Hola, Spain lovers! We're James and Yoly. James is a New Zealander, and Yoly is from Spain. And we both live in Madrid. This channel is all about giving you a local insight into life in Spain, and helping you experience this country like a local when you come to visit (or live!). If that sounds like your kind of thing, bienvenido!
*This description contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you use them 🙏🏻

[@Berilac]

it amazes me how flawlessly you switch from English to perfect authentic Spanish pronunciation. love your videos :D

[@spainrevealed]

I have Yoly to thank!

[@Berilac]

Spain Revealed - James Blick she seems to be a great teacher :)

[@matty6848]

Patrice repeat, practice repeat.

[@pipasconsal2717]

Lo peor de tener un jamón en la cocina es que cada vez que entras y lo ves ahí tienes que cortar un poco y probarlo, por no hablar de los asaltos nocturnos al jamón...

[@spainrevealed]

Totalmente de acuerdo!

[@clasius7959]

@@spainrevealed ajjaaj

[@fernandobalbassalvatierra7314]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 cuanta razón

[@LauraMMPeral]

Nooooooooooooo, que va XD

[@sumeriano]

E cherto!

[@juliablick7492]

Eating the ham was a wonderful food experience. Now, watching the video showing your research and selection of the best flavour then transporting it home we know why it tasted so good. Love from your family x

[@spainrevealed]

Thanks ma xxxxxx Was lovely to share it with you xxx

[@wmanthonyphotography]

I was half expecting you to set up a baby monitor camera to keep an eye on the jamon at night...

[@spainrevealed]

Bueno... let's see how this plays out!

[@mmmc5122]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@matty6848]

I would. No one would be touching mine😂

[@DValentinJ]

No he podido evitarlo, James... he tenido que parar tu vídeo e ir a la cocina a cortar un poquito de jamón y coger una cerveza para seguir viéndolo! Jajaja Espero que estéis disfrutando Yoli y tú de la paletilla!

[@EMFpebbles]

This was one of my top 3 FAVORITE stops while on the Ultimate Spanish Tour in Madrid. I returned there the next morning with my fiancé to purchase a couple vacuumed packaged sliced jamón bellotà. It was worth every euro and Luismi who assisted me with my purchase. The utter passion and craftsmanship in this place saturates every inch of this establishment. Thank You for posting this video ♥️

[@melehernandez9201]

Este tío es un crack

[@spainrevealed]

Gracias!!!

[@spainrevealed]

This was the first time Yoly and I ever bought a whole jamón! It was a bit of a journey! Are there any other Spanish foods you'd like me to do a dedicated video on just like this one?

[@MrJimbo327]

I was a reverse food snob. Nothing but hamburgers and french fries. My Mother was raised on a farm during the Great Depression and told us blood curdling stories of butchering hogs and using everything but the squeal. Eating beef tongue, or fresh killed chicken. She always said the food was so much better then. Picture a 10 year old giving his Mom the fishy-eye look. Wasted a lot of time with that attitude, but finally tried Sushi, which led to Octopus and my favorite Calamar en Sepia. My thoughts on a new food video would be Offal. I understand it is a popular dish in Madrid. Btw, I cooked a beef tongue a while back. Served it in tacos. Everyone thought it was delish. Best beef they ever had, until I told them what it was. No one would touch it after that. Found out I'm not the only reverse food snob. LOL. More for me!

[@rauloliva576]

Maybe a video about Christmas desserts (mazapán, turrón, polvorones..), but I think it would be better to do it for Christmas

[@acookwithaview]

James and Yoly, you both are super! This video definitely took the mystique out of jamon. Thank you! I'm sure this has been done, but the typical touristy thing regarding paella. It always seems like too much food to me, but is it really worth ordering?

[@lidialondres]

El cocido, bien sea madrileño,gallego, maragato, etc. Es un plato tan de ésta tierra y con tanta tradición, que quizás si lo enseñais en vuestro canal, se conozca un poquito más, y más visitantes se animen a probarlo en lugar de ir a por paella nada más!!

[@twinkletoes800]

A video about pulpo maybe?

[@Youcrispy]

A friend of mine is from Guijuelo, and his father worked all his life for Joselito. It is a great familiar company and the quality is great, you made a great purchase. Last year my friend went to an special aniversary of the company, he told me that it was amazing with great hams, wine....His father passed away and for my friend this party was hommenage for all the workers and his father.

[@welshtoro3256]

Joselito is superb stuff and very expensive these days. In my opinion they produce the best chorizo, salchichon and lomo on the market. Expensive but worth it. I'm afraid their jamon is too expensive for my wallet but I have no doubt that it is fantastic.

[@fjrogon]

Joselito es caro. Pero es de una calidad superlativa

[@Pei_Bo]

@@fjrogon joselito NO tiene jamon iberico, están fuera de la norma

[@martinparry70]

Haha. James you big goof. So funny watching you walk down the street as proud as anything with your ham box. Lovely to see into your real lives. Very much enjoyed the episode.

[@spainrevealed]

Glad you liked it!!!

[@malikkorimbocus6755]

Never quite thought I'd be so interested in someone buying ham but you deliver it so well guys . Well frickin done!!! Xx

[@spainrevealed]

Thank you Malik!

[@twinkletoes800]

James so funny seeing the happy head on you walking out of the market with your first jamon..love it !!!😂 Amazing video as ever...makes Sundays even nicer. Well done guys.

[@jensterj1471]

Loved your big proud grin when you were carrying your "baby" home. Great video and it looked like a lot of fun

[@vodkalima]

Loved the video, thank you for being an ambassador for Spain !!

[@ultimateenglishclub3695]

That scene of you carrying the box seems like the old saying ‘bring home the bacon’ but in this case it’s ‘bringing home the Jamon’

[@sugarpop7377]

EmbromationEnglish 😂

[@UnaChefenlaCocina]

Me encanta tu canal y es x ello que me suscribo¡¡¡ademas de ver el arte que tienes comiendo jamón y el miedo que te da cortarlo,jajaja❤️

[@JB0712]

I really love watching your videos guys, keep it up. Greetings from a madrileño!

Si lo tapas, además, con un trapo de cocina se conservará mejor todavía.

[@swicheroo1]

I went to a big party in LA where the hostess had a Spanish Jamon. But there was nobody dedicated to the cutting. Random people were serving themselves. It broke my heart to see such an expensive have hacked to death.

[@sdamb4574]

Que no se enteren en España, se consideraría " Casus Belli "

[@matty6848]

Oh man that’s criminal. Something that has taken years to cure just hacked like that😡

[@Santiago-km7eo]

Muy buena compra,No hay nada como ir cortando el jamón e ir comiendo yo nunca consigo llenar un plato.jajaja

[@albaaldaia4979]

James, un consejo. Nosotros solemos guardar el primer corte grande cuando empiezas el jamón. El de la piel y la grasa (ver minuto 6.17 a 6.21) Así no tienes que ir guardando trocitos de grasa y colocarlos como si fuera un Tetris. Maravilloso video.

[@bobgil3464]

I am so happy for you. We just returned back home from Spain and only bought 2 oz.

[@meat_loves_wasabi]

How to make ur jamon taste twice as good .....serve it with a great Rioja

[@spainrevealed]

Totally!

[@AlexSmith-fs6ro]

And place it on some Manchego.

[@SteveGouldinSpain]

I've never had a ham, but I did once have an oak barrel which was magic - you buy really cheap wine, keep it in the barrel for three months and it comes out like a fine wine. Maybe something else you could cover!

[@spainrevealed]

Interesting - worth a shot. Thanks for the tip!

[@brunoghezzi5957]

thank you james & yoli; you guys are so helpful & informative. Spain should pay you for promoting Spanish beauty...

[@spainrevealed]

haha - wouldn't that be nice!

[@jwalker7097]

your nerdyness is very endearing lol... love the videos. I hope you enjoyed that great looking iberico!

[@karenrenshaw1378]

Hi James & Yoly! Great video. Makes me look forward to Madrid even more

[@texuztweety]

I love your videos SO much, you guys make my day every time. Best entertainment on KZbin!! I am saving up for a Devour tour in the future

[@markpurda]

I really like ur videos! I've just found you but I am really happy! I am studying spanihs for a half a year now, and I love it!

[@jackmeoff4344]

Love your work

[@sugarpop7377]

How nosy of me ! But I would love to see a video about you telling us how you two met and all the interesting bits ... 😬 both of you look so nice ! I love your videos! 😍

[@spainrevealed]

I've written that down for the future :)

[@sugarpop7377]

Spain Revealed - James Blick ooohh! I can't wait !😁

[@maverickdesigns548]

Love you guys....great videos

[@vissitorsteve]

What really entertaining and informative show. So glad to find!

[@mrhotdropper]

Spanish Seafood video would be a good one James. 👍

[@spainrevealed]

Good idea! added to the list

[@AngiesPantry58]

Oh my gosh. Awesome video. That ham looks soooo Yummy.

[@nicholashoffnagle2396]

Great video. I studied abroad in Granada during college and since being back here in the U.S I have learned, through books and videos, how to make jamon at home from local pork. It takes about a year minimum for it to be ready to eat but it is delicious.

[@KriptoniteCola]

Seeing you so happy with your ham brought a huge smile to my face haha! I hope you guys enjoyed it :D

[@spainrevealed]

Haha thank you!

[@mistreated]

That was a lot of fun! Thanks for taking us with you on your journey. Loved it, as always.Looking forward to the next one. We've always wanted to buy the whole leg but my wife and I would never finish it in 3 weeks in our Madrid flat. Gracias James y Yolanda

[@googlereviewer1944]

Great video. Really, really informative.

[@visjesvanger]

I can understand their happiness, it's really delicious!!!

[@doloresperez2139]

Viví muchos años en Badajoz ❤️ vi lo que comían los cerdo y como vivían en las dehesas, ese jamón es magnífico!!!

[@josegalindo-herrador5565]

Guys! You make my mouth melt when I see this 🎥 I got to carve 2 paletillas sent from 🇪🇸 to the 🇬🇧 before Brexit I did enjoyed them both thoroughly & I intend to order another 1 soon The carving itself is a ritual Don't forget to cut up the bones once the piece is finish to enjoy a beautiful ham stock to go with practically everything Best wishes from 🇬🇧👍

[@kozzak80]

What an entertaining and educational video! Gracias!

[@spainrevealed]

Gracias Andre!

[@micasteer8851]

HEY GUY'S. OMG . That is a master piece. I love Jamon . I'm watching and salivating at the same time LOL . excellent video as always. Hugs to you both

[@spainrevealed]

Glad you enjoyed it!! Abrazos!

[@misty671]

Fantastic. Your videos do a superb job of promoting Spain. I want to visit once the Covid operation winds down. All the best.

[@emilijahjonezzz]

congratuations on your new jamon!!

[@christianlacayo7616]

Love this.

[@herroglop7411]

Will there be a video of the Kiwi family with the ham? Suggestion: give them a cheaper ham before trying the good one! They might appreciate it more that way ( or they might appreciate the cheaper one better and leave you the good one, a win win situation)

[@Ari-tt3ed]

Ya esperaba un nuevo vídeo tuyo :D

[@spainrevealed]

jeje enjoy! qué presión!

[@kerox79]

These are the very best examples of what Jamón Serrano offers you. There are also a 50€ pieces, obviously not as good, but reliable. And the good ones por a good celebration.

[@erinmh]

Lol I just died at the Ghost/ Patrick Swayze reference. 😂 but it’s totally true.

[@spainrevealed]

Such a great scene!

[@sugarpop7377]

Erin Houlihan I thought he was going to sing Righteous Brothers ! 😂

[@chickenmomma9239]

You're hammin' it up really well. ;)

[@robertcalamusso4218]

Great Thx

[@charlesmartinez100]

Awesome video, as usual

[@spainrevealed]

Thank you!

[@MikeS29]

Nicely done!

[@spainrevealed]

Gracias Michael!

[@williamblick5806]

A very interesting process's it looks very tasty!

[@spainrevealed]

Gracias Guillermo!

[@HenJack-vl5cb]

Sois una pareja adorable!You are adorable-loving the channel!

[@spainrevealed]

Gracias!!!

[@DanyRulezFerrol]

8:40 Míralo que feliz, un guiri y su jamón 😜

[@spainrevealed]

:)

[@javiertorres4703]

Cool!! Thanks for sharing your experience. I you educated me on something. I started thinking about El Cid and maybe ham became the symbol within time. As a Puerto Rican I love ham. Que Viva España ❤️💛💜

[@spainrevealed]

Gracias Javier!

[@wolfepup]

I have been enjoying watching your videos for several weeks in preparation for our family trip to Madrid in March. I must say this is the most enjoyable one so far. It seems more relaxed and intimate than your others. Keep these coming! As an aside, can I bring a jamon back to Seattle with me?

[@spainrevealed]

Thank you David! I really appreciate that opinion. We did do this one a little more "off the cuff" - I'm glad to know it worked. Noted for the future

[@Taylor_Booker_Cozies]

You aren't allowed to bring any kind of "agricultural products" into the US. The customs form has a checklist of items. I've linked it; item 11 is the relevant bit. Honestly, my husband and I take an extra suitcase just for cheese and pork when we go to Europe, but we live in Asia, and the customs searches are far less rigorous. I wouldn't take anything into the US, mainly because I've had things taken off me that I thought would be okay, but the agent decided was borderline. I seem to have some kind of customs curse when I go to the US-- I get "randomly" selected for the extensive search every time I go home, so I don't push it. :-) There may be places, like the one in the video, that will ship it to your house for you. www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/CBP%20Form%206059B%20English%20%28Sample%20Watermark%29.pdf

[@tonydeltablues]

When I saw the thumbnail, I shouted, "Jamon, Jamon!". Recently I bought a front leg from a Serrano pig - cured for about 12 months from my local Spanish deli. It was quite good (£40.00). I think I'd go bang for buck next time and go paletilla iberico next time too. I have the stands and knife - I now need to persuade my wife ;-) Gracias Tony

[@GerarddeVries]

Great video. I laughed for minutes. Also, there is so much we do not know about buying Jamon Iberico but in the end, you need to taste it before buying. I learned how to carve Jamon from KZbin videos. There are some really good ones around. Also a tip. wrap your jamon in clingfilm after you have cut some of. You can use it for more then a month that way.

[@davidtaylor-hg2bz]

Bought a small version from lidles in scotland. I couldnt pas it without slicing a piece to eat...every time😅..love it

[@sergyag1999]

James es feliz con todo me encanta que gracioso

[@knowyourhistory]

Gonna be eating a lot of ham sandwiches the rest of the month. Sounds like heaven.

[@spainrevealed]

Totally!!!

[@neilradlett]

Looks amazing! I keep on walking past the whole jamons and buy it freshly carved at the deli. I find the best ones are the ones above €50/kg here in Andalucia. You get about 10 slices for about €6/7. So, the whole jamon for €280 is really great value!

[@Bodwaypatt]

Haha had a blast with you guys!

[@spainrevealed]

I'm glad!! Thank you for watching!

[@PaoloBelloli]

Madrid during Christmas Time is as sunny as London in summer.

[@JoseLopez-vt8kd]

Jajaja. Me encanta vuestro humor, que aproveche, será gracioso ver lo que opina tu familia cuando llegue de Nueva Zelanda.

[@spainrevealed]

Es que ya han estado! Y han flipado!

[@JoseLopez-vt8kd]

@@spainrevealed Vaya. Nunca había caído en lo que llama la atención a las personas de otros países el ver una pata de cerdo en la cocina, pero ahora que lo pienso, la verdad es que es algo llamativo.

[@projectmidlife]

Oh, my! Even though I've just eaten a dinner, I suddenly got very hungry. :D Yummmm!

[@LitoCortes]

Great vid. After watching this I think I finally got the courage to work on my Jamón and finally enjoy it. Lol

[@spainrevealed]

Good luck!

[@askdad]

I like it 👍

[@luckymoii]

Thank you for your recommendation! I went to this shop two weeks ago, we had a little tasting and brought over €200 products..the staffs were super nice! I wish could bring one home..hahah

[@yellowbird500]

We also bought one at Christmas time at a South Florida Costco, of all places. It was a one time offer. It was a Serrano ham. They also offered a pata negra for $500 which was out of my budget. Unfortunately, it had no hoof and we layer realized may have started on the wrong side as the other side had more meat and was much easier to carve. But it did not stop us from enjoying it. Did you keep you jamon on the counter until you were done eating it?

[@nazarets.3835]

La mano que no sostiene el cuchillo, al cortar se suele poner por encima de él. Es decir, con una mano agarrar la pata con fuerza para que no se mueva y con la otra vas cortando hacia abajo. Al menos en mi casa siempre lo hemos hecho así to keep our fingers safe. Subscribed 😉.

[@jamesrenner3988]

We were just in Spain early December and the shot of Puerto del Sol brought back some very happy memories. Your videos are spot on, and very entertaining and informative. Keep up the good work. Unfortunately it is very difficult to hand carry any pork product into the United States, so we came back without a jamon in our possession. As for additional foods, perhaps you could explore the growing craft beer scene. Alternately you could collect some footage of some romantic spots in your travels with Yoli. Don’t try it without her as you married well above your station and she could replace you in a heart beat. 😀 Thanks for all the great videos and inspiration to visit Spain soon.

[@jokermorales3533]

I'm watching from manhattan...great video I love ham...ashe🗽😇🙏

[@blankiki]

Que chevere! Jamón ibérico de bellota es la crema de la crema .

[@caleblewis4692]

Joselito EL MEJOR!!!!!

[@JorgelinaVega]

La cara de felicidad! :D

[@kkayaker]

Great video. Thanks for the info. Tengo una pregunta. How would I ask for "some slices of ham" in a shop like the one you are in? Let's say I wanted to buy slices like the ones you are sampling in the amount of 300 grams. Google Translate says "slices of ham" is "lonchas de jamón" but I haven't come across that word before and I wasn't sure if it was the right one to use.

[@andrewb4556]

Hi you guys I will be there in 24 hours , love jamon ! Ha Ha Ha Australia Love you're work and vlogs.

[@spainrevealed]

Enjoy your time here!

[@bradleyeis7319]

Hello James & Yoly, So does the Ham have to stay on the counter top, or can you leave it in the Fridge ? If left in the fridge, how long do you think it would last ?

[@caroleloomis1430]

Glad to see you are wearing your slippers!

[@spainrevealed]

Always!

[@alvarogines6788]

You live like a king

[@spainrevealed]

I try!

[@llermy3371]

¡Buen vídeo! En verdad la paletilla técnicamente no es jamón, pero también muy buena. Yo cuando compro el jamón entero no lo suelo comprar en tiendas gourmet de ese estilo que si no sale demasiado caro siendo de igual categoría y no me da el dinero ^^'

[@elxusticiero]

Que arte que tienes James! Y Yoli que maja que eres!

[@felicetanka]

You give meaning to "hamming it up"...but i like it.

[@marleyCT]

When you smell the ham and thrill with that face you passed the exam to be an authentic SPANISH (caps enabled). Cuando hueles el jamón y te conmueves con esa cara has pasado el examen para ser un auténtico ESPAÑOL. Felicidades James. Eres el fucking amo. Tu canal is raw cinnamon (canela en rama) !!

[@spainrevealed]

haha thank you!!!!

[@SABOREAME68]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Madre mia! os dire que esto me os trae unos recuerdos inolvidables cuando mi ta-ta-ra-abuela compraba el jamón y comiamos por un buen tiempo, con una copa de vino, pan con aceite de oliva y aceitunas..... Abrazos ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️OMG! I'll tell you this brings back unforgettable memories when my great-grand-mother would purchase the jamón, & we would eat for a while, with a glass of vine, bread with olive oil, and olives.... Abrazos

[@sumeriano]

Ir con un jamón así por la calle es una temeridad...

[@bread_men5918]

Классное видео ребят удачи 👍

[@rosacortes5074]

I love it! Like bringing a baby home from the hospital!😜😜😜

[@grant575mixmaster]

you look so happy

[@ma88vlc]

Cortas el jamón mejor que muchos españoles, bravo!

[@roelcabe]

Suddenly I got this Jamón craving!!! All your fault guys 😛 Thanks again for great Vlog

[@evenaicantfigurethisout]

How long does it keep for?

[@Nperez1986]

I literally just got my first Jamon cutting accident yesterday lol

[@CameronClarkSpain]

Another Great video James and Yoly! Very useful information for when i buy my first Jamón here! I was wondering how long would a Jamón take you both to eat?

[@spainrevealed]

Thanks Cameron! For two people it would take too long unless you ate a lot! What you can do is get them to carve and shrink wrap it once you've had it on the go for about a month.

[@CameronClarkSpain]

@@spainrevealed Hmm, it is so tastey I reckon I could finish it myself haha! Thanks for the info 👍🇪🇸

[@oscar6082]

I am New Zealand lover :D

[@spainrevealed]

Bienvenido!