Pork Nuts Swoon for Acorn-Fed Ham

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, July 27th, 2009

Epicurean cheerleader José Andrés is giving local diners something new to celebrate: the arrival of genuine jamon Ibérico de bellota.

(Image: Thomas Schauer)

The highly revered pork–valued so because of the intense marbling and inherent nuttiness of the meat (these pigs dine almost exclusively on fallen acorns, mushrooms and wild herbs during the last few months of life)–has never before been available here in the U.S.

Starting today, cured ham enthusiasts will be able to sample this sought-after swine at Jaleo and Wagshal’s market.

According to a ThinkFoodGroup spokesperson, the specialty ham will be woven into a featured Jaleo dish every day “until the supply runs out.”  Planned offerings include roasted pork loin with apples ($16) and a pork rib paella ($48).

The TFG source noted that Wagshal’s was only able to secure a limited supply for this initial order–but all the parties involved expect public demand will keep the iberico stream flowing into the foreseeable future.

“When [the] next order comes in [scheduled for this December], we’ll get more and then we’ll pick back up,” the TFG aide projected.

–Warren

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