Jamon Iberico de Bellota | Bi-Rite Market | San Francisco, California
One of my food obssessions. I long for the day that I will be able to sample a satisfactory tasting.
In 1998, the USA lifted its ban on Serrano ham (which is made of your common domesticated pig). In 2005, the USA lifted its ban on Iberico ham (which is from black-hoofed boars that feed on acorn, oak, cork, and all that good shit and are native only to Iberia region of Spain). Since it takes 2 to 3 years to cure & dry Iberico ham, it wasn’t until December 2007 that the first Iberico ham was finally available in the USA. In July 2008, the finest grade of Iberico ham — the “Bellota” (acorn) — became available. In April 2008, the website latienda.com was taking a $200 deposit for those interested in purchasing the Jamon Iberico de Bellota and over 200 people put down deposits for the July 2008 release. The Bellota is priced around $1500/15lbs wt bone+black hoof and $1400/8lbs boneless.
On a sunny weekend afternoon during October 2008 in San Francisco, I wandered into my neighborhood Bi-Rite Market and what do I see offered on the colorful deli chalkboard? Jamon Iberico de Bellota for $99/1lb! Now I appreciate and invest in food/meals over any other material pleasure (i.e. clothes, shoes, electronics, etc), but even I wasnt about to drop $12 for barely 2 ounces of ham (who can make a decent sandwich outta 2 ounces of ham?!), nonetheless a benjamin on 1 pound of ham. Luckily, the head deli guy was so surprised that I knew the history behind this rare ham that he gave me a free sample of shreddings! I couldnt resist and immediately tasted two of the thin strips I was so generously offered. Then I raced home to share the good news and fortune wt Vinh, who finished off the shreddings you see above. But of course, not before I snapped a photo.
-Noreylee
