Serrano ham: Everything you need to know

Spain is the biggest producer of Serrano ham in the world and is also one of its biggest consumers. The Spanish have a rich culture in the manufacturing and consumption of Serrano ham and it is practically a national symbol.

Many people enjoy this product, often without taking into account certain details to do so in the best way. For this reason, in order to enjoy serrano ham to the full, it is important to be aware of its nutritional value, the best ways of storing and eating it and how to cut it correctly.

Serrano ham is called so due to the fact that it is produced in high mountain areas where the low temperatures favour the curing process.

White pigs are used to make serrano ham. The main breeds used are Duroc, Landrace, Large White and Pietrain, which are breeds with a very low percentage of Iberico genetic. These pigs must be fed with pig feed and cereals made from natural products and must have reached a specific weight and breeding time to be ready for production.

• Nutritional value:

During the curing process, this ham becomes lighter, containing proteins and less fat, making it a product with high nutritional value.

Serrano ham is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins B1 and B6, phosphorous, iron, potassium and zinc. It is highly recommended for the diets of high-performance athletes because the high concentration of vitamins and minerals delays the appearance of fatigue.

This ham has nutritional properties very similar to those of olive oil since it has a high level of unsaturated fats and a high percentage of oleic acids.

• Types of serrano ham:

There are currently two denomination types certifying that the whole production and preparation process is controlled by the established standards and protecting consumers from being deceived by false publicity and information: Protected Denomination Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

Hams are classified taking into account the curing period:

• Bodega: between 9 and 12 months.

• Reserve: between 12 and 14 months.

• Grand reserve: more than 14 months. These are considered to be the best serrano hams.

It should be noted that, the longer the curing process, the deeper the nuances of aroma and taste that differentiate the quality of a ham.

Although a huge amount of ham is produced in Spain, we can find the following types of serrano hams on the market that have already been endorsed by the PDO and the PGI, this guaranteeing their quality:

• PGI Jamón de Trevélez: For the production of this ham, the Landrace, Large-White and Duroc-Jersey pig breeds are used. These hams are produced in areas above 1,200 metres in the province of Granada, in the towns of Trevélez, Juviles, Busquístar, Pórtugos, La Tahá, Bubión, Capileira and Bérchules. Smaller hams are cured in a 15-month period and larger hams can take up to 24 months. Due to the low salt levels, it is considered to be the sweetest ham on the market and also stands out due to its deep red colour contrasting with the yellow fat.

• PDO Jamón de Teruel: These hams originate from the province of Teruel and are mainly produced in the Albarracín, Gúdar-Javalambre and Jiloca mountain ranges. For the production of this ham, the Landrace, Large White and Duroc pig breeds are used. These pigs are fed with completely natural cereals from the same region. Jamón de Teruel is characterised by its intense red colour, juicy texture and low salt content.

• PGI Jamón de Serón: The majority of this ham is produced in the province of Almeria and it is made from the meat of white pigs from the Large White, Landrace, Blanco Belga, Pietrain, Chato Murciano and Duroc breeds. Jamón de Serón is not very salty and has a bright red colour when cut. The curing process is favoured by the relatively low humidity levels experienced in Serón during the year.

• Preservation:

To enjoy this delicious food to its full potential, it needs to be kept in the best conditions.

It is important not to cut more slices than will be consumed, since any leftover slices, if kept, will lose the original flavour of this magnificent product.

Many people keep it on the jamonero (ham holder), but the best thing to do is to cover it with a cotton cloth or sheath it in the same material and hang it by the hoof since, if it is not going to be consumed immediately, it is best to hang the ham so that the fat can flow.

The ham should be kept in a cool, dry atmosphere to preserve its flavour and aroma during as much time as possible.

The part where the ham has been cut should not be covered with anything that is not cuts of its own meat, as this can damage the piece, completely changing the original flavour.

• Cutting serrano ham:

To cut serrano ham well, it is important to have good quality utensils. Three types of knives are used to cut ham: for the slices, a knife with an elongated, narrow blade, known as a ham knife, is used; for cutting the hip, a short knife is used and for the preparation and cleaning of the ham a wide blade knife is used.

Another important tool is the cutting board where the ham is placed before starting the task.

The slices of ham must be cut as finely as possible, with a uniform cut from top to bottom, taking in the whole width of the ham. The person slicing the ham must remember to not to hold the knife facing them.

Expert ham carvers say that if ham is sliced with a machine, it loses its flavour and nutrients due to the high temperature of the cutting wheel.

• How to eat ham

Serrano ham should not be eaten cold since it loses its flavour.

It can be used as an ingredient in many everyday recipes in all of our homes. Moreover, it is normally served thinly sliced with bread and tomato and a drink, such as wine.

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The top 10 universities in Europe

For many people, choosing a university to study a degree, master’s degree or PhD, is a complicated matter due to the wide range available and all the details that a student must take into account in order to choose correctly.

Being educated in world-renowned higher education centre adds value to our professional preparation and is a determining factor when entering the employment market.

According to prestigious rankings in this field, where universities all around the world are ranked (like the QS), the European universities are always at the top, endorsing these institutions’ many years of excellence.

This article discusses the top 10 European universities among which you can choose to continue your studies.

Oxford University (United Kingdom):

At the top of our list is Oxford University in the United Kingdom. It is the oldest English-speaking university in the world and one of the most difficult to get into.

Over the years, multitudes of students that have graduated from this emblematic university have gone on to excel in their chosen career. Many of them have won Nobel Prizes or are well-known politicians in both the United Kingdom and abroad.

If you want to get into Oxford, you need to have an excellent academic record and to show great potential as a student. Your references from your previous schools must be the best and you have to pass written exams and interviews.

Although it is complicated to get into Oxford, it must be said that all students are guaranteed a high standard of education.

2. Cambridge University (United Kingdom):

Cambridge University was founded in 1209 and follows Oxford as the second oldest English-speaking university in the world.

Cambridge has produced many well-known personalities who have made their mark on history thanks to their remarkable discoveries. Examples of Cambridge alumni include Isaac Newton, Alan Turing and Rosalind Franklin.

This centre promotes the participation of its students in extracurricular activities, with sports being one of the most popular.

As in most prestigious schools, Cambridge has quite a strict admission system, for which one of the most valued aspects is an impeccable academic record.

The tuition fees, together with the extra expenses for students at Cambridge University are quite high. However, if you really want to study in this prestigious university, bear in mind that it offers a scholarship system that helps many students to reduce their expenses.

3. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Zurich):

On many occasions over its more than 160 years of existence, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology or ETH Zurich, as it is also known, has been hailed as one of the best in the world, due to its magnificent academic record and past achievements.

ETH Zurich specialises in degrees related to natural sciences, technology and engineering. From its early days, this centre has been a pioneer in the field of research and innovation. One of the main reasons that it is considered one of the best universities in the world is that it has produced some of the continent’s most brilliant minds. One of the most significant alumni is the physicist Albert Einstein, who both received and gave classes there.

This university’s selection process is slightly simpler than the two I have already mentioned. High school graduates with Swiss secondary education qualifications or a foreign equivalent will have no problem enrolling in this centre. Sometimes, students with international diplomas will need to sit an entrance exam to verify whether they have the knowledge needed to undertake the degree course they have chosen.

4. Imperial College London (England):

Imperial College London was founded in 1907, as part of the University of London. In 2007 it became an independent university, specialising in science, engineering, medicine and business sciences.

This centre is considered one of the best universities in the United Kingdom thanks to the medicine and engineering courses it offers. Its graduates include many Nobel Prize winners and three Fields Medal winners.

Moreover, this famous university has close links with other equally prestigious universities around the world, undertaking many joint research projects with them.

Students must also have an excellent academic record to enrol in Imperial College London since it requires one of the highest levels in order to enter.

5. University College London (England):

After Oxford and Cambridge, this university, also known as UCL, is the third oldest in England.

It is part of the University of London and has been attended by many famous figures including, Mahatma Gandhi and Graham Bell.

Some noteworthy events in this university’s past include it being the first English university to allow students from all races and faiths. It was also one of the first to have chairs for Italian, German and French, for engineering such as chemistry and electronics and for sciences such as zoology and psychology.

UCL has been recognised as one of the best universities in the world, since it is a leader in research related to medicine, sustainable development and transformational technologies.

6. École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne – EPFL (Switxerland):

Located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, this university is also considered to be among the best in Europe. EPFL has a close relationship with ETH Zurich, sharing engineering and natural sciences campuses.

This higher education centre has five faculties: computer and communication sciences, engineering sciences and technology, basic sciences, life sciences, architecture, civil and environmental engineering, offering 13 degree programmes and bringing together people from over 120 nationalities.

The facilities include the best laboratories and resources to help achieve the university’s mission: ¨education, research and innovation¨.

7. The University of Manchester (United Kingdom):

This university was founded in 1824 and has an excellent record of accomplishment, especially in industrial development. In 2004, the current University of Manchester was formed binging together the Victoria University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology.

It consists of three faculties offering a wide range of graduate and postgraduate studies and holds the record for having the most full-time students in the United Kingdom.

It also holds the record for being the university with most Nobel Prize winners in its halls, either performing research or giving classes.

This prestigious university is undoubtedly a good option since it is set in one of the best environments for university students. .

8. King’s College London (United Kingdom):

King’s College in London was founded in 1829 and is therefore, among the country’s oldest universities. In its early days, it was part of the University of London.

This institute is a leader in the field of research and is recognised as one of the best in the fields of psychiatry and psychology. Its Dentistry Faculty is also considered to be one of the best in the world.

Recently, the Business Faculty in King’s College has been recognised as the best “Business Management¨ degree in London.

Over a third of the students attending the university is made up of people from 140 different countries.

Many students who are considering various universities choose King’s College because its graduates receive better employment offers and therefore, higher salaries.

9. The London School of Economics and Political Science (United Kingdom):

The London School of Economics and Political Science in London is world-renowned in the fields of education and scientific research. This is mainly because their research is performed with a different approach than in other centres, with social sciences playing an important part.

This prestigious institute is considered a “college¨ and offers over 40 degree programmes and over 140 postgraduate programmes, covering a wide variety of different subjects.

One of this university’s most representative features is that it houses the biggest social sciences library in the world.

It is also one of the most selective in terms of student admission. A very low number of British students attend the London School of Economics and Political Science, meaning that there are excellent possibilities for international students to study there.

10. Université de Recherche Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) (France):

This higher education centre is a university grouping made up of ten institutions, with some of the most noteworthy being École Normale Supérieure and Collège de France.

This centre stands out due to the excellent level of its graduate and postgraduate courses that are characterised for undertaking significant work and research in the fields of art, sciences, engineering, humanities and social sciences. It is worth highlighting the intensive work invested in measures to coordinate research policies, knowledge dissemination and international politics.

PSL has 181 laboratories offering the best conditions for the development of various projects and houses 92 specialised and general libraries.

As you can see, there are many magnificent universities in Europe, offering the best preparation to all of their students. If you are considering the option of studying in Europe, I hope that this article is useful in helping you to reach the correct decision.

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How can I travel to Italy with my dog?

For many people, their pets are so important that they love them as if they were one of the family. We often forget that they are animals and think of them as if they were people. These little animals give us so much love and are so faithful that it is impossible not to love them.

When vacation time arrives, it is very tempting to visit another country, but it can be a real headache trying to decide what to do with our pets, because on most occasions we would like them to travel with us.

Italy is one of the most popular tourist populations in the world and many people probably search for information on how to travel to this wonderful country with their dog. This article should clear up any doubts you might have.

• Before travelling:

As you have probably imagined, the procedures for your trip to Italy with your dog begin in your country of origin.

If you are in a European Union country, the first thing you need to take into account is that your pet will need a “Pet Passport”. In order to obtain this document, your four-legged friend must have been recently vaccinated against rabies and must have a microchip or legible tattoo.

If this is not the case, you need to visit a vet that is officially recognised by the pertinent authorities in both your country of origin and in Italy, to obtain a certificate of good health for your dog. You also need to remember that, as well as the aforementioned certificate and the rabies vaccine, your pet must be identified with a microchip or clearly legible tattoo.

It is important to bear in mind that, to enter this European country, your dog must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before your trip.

It is also important to note that dogs under 3 months old are not allowed into Italy because, at this age, they have still not been vaccinated against rabies.

• During your trip:

Once you have completed the pre-journey procedures, you need to be ready for your flight. At this stage, there are certain aspects that you need to be very clear on, so that your pet’s journey is as comfortable as possible.

The first thing you need to do is to find out whether your airline accepts animals for transport. Once you have checked it out, you need to investigate, well in advance, all the regulations for your dog’s trip.

These are some of the things you need to take into account:

• If your dog weighs less than 10 kilos, it will be allowed in the cabin with you. Of course, there are guidelines to follow, e.g. it must be clean, in an appropriate carrier and cannot be taken out during the flight.
• During the flight, the dog must be placed under the seat in front of you and you need to make sure that it does not disturb the other passengers.
• Dogs that weigh over 10 kilos are transported in the hold, in a pressurised area, inside a cage suitable for transporting the dog, so you can be completely sure that your four-legged friend will not be uncomfortable. In this case, many companies allow the client to bring their own cage or else they will provide you with a suitable one.
• Moreover, you should check whether the airline offers personal assistance for pets and, if so, whether or not they charge for the service.

In Italy:

Once you have arrived at your destination, you need to take into account certain measures that must be fulfilled by everyone who visits the country with their pet. Here are a few rules that you need to remember:

The first thing is that, in Italy, your dog must always be on a lead and wear a muzzle. The lead must be no longer than 1.5 metres long and the use of the muzzle is not always compulsory, although I would recommend that you always carry it with you in case you need to show it or put it on your dog.

If you need to travel on public transport and your pet is with you, your pet must either wear its muzzle or be in its carrier and you must pay for its journey, which will cost you half of the normal fare. Only guide dogs for the blind or visually impaired can travel free of charge.

If you would like to go to a restaurant with your pet, be sure that they are allowed on the premises. To a great extent, this depends on the size of the animal. If the dog is allowed into the restaurant, make sure it doesn’t disturb the other diners.

• Going to the beach:

There is no doubt that Italy has some beautiful beaches that are popular among many tourists. People travelling to Italy with their dog, must remember that on the majority of these beaches, dogs are not allowed. I suggest that you check out which beaches allow dogs. To begin with, I would recommend Bau Beach in Maccarese.

Other places that welcome pets include Ristorante Quinoa in Florence, the National Museum of Cinema in Turin and the HangarBicocca Contemporary Art Museum in Milan.

Moreover, every town in Italy has areas where dogs can run freely without having to be on a lead.

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