The best Jamón Serrano in Granada
It is not a secret that Spain is known for its cured ham, and Granada is home of some of the best. And it is right! Jamón de Trevélez, for instance, is a very famous ham produced in a small town of Las Alpujarras, the mountains close to Granada.
Ham has been produced in the Spanish mountains for centuries, especially in la Alpujarra, near Sierra Nevada, the mountains of Granada. In winter it is cold there, in summer the sun shines with full force, in spring and autumn it is hot during the day and at night sensitively fresh. Extreme temperature fluctuations are the best condition for a good Serrano ham to be made.
The term “Serrano” is a self-promoter for sale: sounds great, somehow southern-Mediterranean, promising something special. But Sierra is in Spanish the mountains and the Jamon is Serrano, because it has always been air-dried: in the mountains.
Spain and ham have always been considered inseparable. The ham is an integral part of a Spanish menu and is part of the traditional culinary culture. A delicious eye-catcher at every tapas party! From the whole club, wafer-thin slices are freshly cut and served with Vino Tinto or Spanish beer.
Spaniars use a “Jamonera” or “Jamonero” to cut ham. It is also called “Portajamones”. It has the form of a clamp fiexed to a wooden stand, specifically designed to hold a leg of jamón serrano. The Jamonero has a long and flexible knife (“cuchillo jamonero”) used to cut ham in very fine slices.
Onced mounted, the ham is ususally kept at room temperature, hanging from the “Jamonero” and covered with a cloth to prevent from drying.
There are many classical “Jamonerías” (Serrano shops) in Granada where ham legs are hanging from the cieling.
Here are some taverns, where you can eat good Jamón Serrano.
1. Puerta del Carmen
(Address: Plaza Virgen del Carmen 1, next to the City Council)
This beautiful bar in the center of Granada is a great place to stop to eat jamón de Bellota together with a good glass of red wine. The bar is stunningly beautiful, inside and out. The tapas served are very good too. The restaurant itself is also known for its good fish.
2. Mariscal Delicatessen
(Address: Carrera de la Virgen 12)
In addition to being a popular cafe and tapas bar, Mariscal Delicatessen is also one of the best places to buy jamón ibérico in Granada. This award-winning deli and bar is home to some of the best ham in the city. Eat it there with the locals or take it home to enjoy later. Their friendly, knowledgable team truly knows their stuff and is happy to answer any questions you may have about their products.
3. Bodegas Castañeda
(Address: Calle Almireceros, 1, 3)
Las Bodegas have a very friendly, fast and fun service. The Jamon is also really good. Besides I always love the ambience of the place especially at the outdoor terrace. They also served many different kinds of Tapas, which as usual in Granada, are complimentary with the drink. Some of them are rice with beef, veal with potatoes, ribs with tomato, and the ox tail “croqueta”. They have also a good white wine selection by the glass. A must in Granada!
4. Ibéricos & Alhambra
(Address: Calle Marques de Gerona, 17)
This is a small and charming corner in the center of Granada. A great place to get good Jamón Serrano in tabla, but also particularly a great “bocadillo de jamón” (fresh Spanish bread filled with Serrano) together with a good red wine or even Sangría.
