LaTienda.com announces that it will deliver the legendary Cinco Jotas Jamn
Ibrico de Bellota to customers in the United States in 2010. Cinco Jotas (5J)
is the elite label of Spains Snchez Romero Carvajal, the world-recognized
leader in Ibrico ham. Produced in limited quantities, these rare, high-end hams
are usually spoken for in Spain years before the curing process has completed.
However, a limited number of 5J hams will be available for the first time in the
U.S. by pre-order exclusively through La Tienda, the leading online retailer of
Spanish gourmet food, with delivery anticipated later this year.
Tradition and quality are the essence of Snchez Romero Carvajal, Spains oldest
producer of Jamn Ibrico de Bellota. Like Beluga caviar or Kobe beef, Jamn
Ibrico de Bellota is one of the luxuries of the meat world, and the 5J brand is
unquestionably the Rolls-Royce of its class, says Don Harris, owner and founder
of La Tienda.
Carvajal is based in the mountain village of Jabugo, located in the province of
Huelva in southwestern Spain. Many people around the world now simply refer to
Jamn Ibrico de Bellota as Jabugo due to the quality and reputation of their
ham, adds co-owner Jonathan Harris.
Unlike most Ibrico producers, Carvajal’s 5J brand uses only 100% Cerdo Ibrico
pigs. This unique breed is descended from the prehistoric Mediterranean boar and
distinguished by its black hooves (pata negra). Once weaned, these privileged
animals spend their entire lives freely roaming the Dehesa woodlands, eating a
diet that culminates in an abundance of acorns (bellota). The resulting hams not
only have a distinctive rich and nutty flavor, but also have a surprising number
of health benefits. Because of the acorns, Jamn Ibrico de Bellota contains
more antioxidants than other hams, as well as more oleic acid (the same healthy
fat found in olive oil) than any other meat.
The 5J hams are hung to dry in a curing facility with windows open to the
mountain air. The pigs harmonious development of fat and muscle from its time
in the Dehesa allows the ham to cure for as much as two years longer than other
traditional hams, enabling chemical changes that result in a unique marbling and
flavor coveted by connoisseurs in Spain and abroad.
La Tienda is the leader in introducing artisan Spanish ham to the United States.
Owner Tim Harris remarked, Our family is delighted to be once again the very
first to deliver an extraordinary jamn from Spain to America! In 1998, La
Tienda began offering Jamn Serrano, Spains most popular cured ham, made from
normal pork. Beginning in 2002, the company offered customers the opportunity to
place deposits in anticipation of the arrival of the first exquisite Ibrico
hams to arrive on American shores.
The response from those investing in Jamn Ibrico de Bellota futures was
enthusiastic, with hundreds of customers placing deposits. Imported by Jamones
Fermn USA, La Tienda delivered the first hams to these select customers in
2008. Demand has continued to grow with La Tienda sales of Fermn Bellota ham
increasing more than 150% since last year.
5J Jamones and Paletas (shoulders) de Bellota are only available through
pre-order from LaTienda.com with a $299 fully refundable deposit. Paletas are
scheduled to arrive in the summer of 2010, with the traditional bone-in hams
expected in early 2011. The final price for the whole hams, based upon weight,
should average approximately $1700. Small two ounce sample packets of sliced
Jamn and Paleta will be available as well on LaTienda.com.
About La Tienda:
Founded in 1996, La Tienda is the leading online retailer of gourmet food from
Spain, offering over 800 products. Familyowned and managed, the business is
dedicated to working with artisan and small family businesses in Spain.
LaTienda.com is headquartered in Williamsburg, Virginia, with its Spanish
operation based outside of San Sebastian, Spain. Warehouses in Virginia and
Alicante, Spain, ship throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Europe
and the UK. LaTienda.com will ship to over 75,000 customers in 2009, including
restaurants and renowned chefs. Its first retail store opened in Williamsburg,
VA in November of 2009. To find out more about Spain’s fine hams, visit
Jamon.com.
Source:
La Tienda
