Spanish jamon is the best ham in the world but culture warriors are reviving its dark history | Abbas Asaria

"Spain makes the best ham in the world, and a multitude of incredible pork-based dishes. You have your crunchy, salty torreznos de Soria, fried cubes of pork belly, which make for a fantastic bar snack. Or cochinillo asado, a suckling pig that's traditionally roasted in a wood oven, and so tender that it's cut with a plate instead of a knife when serving."

"At the pinnacle, you have the gastronomic and cultural phenomenon that is jamon iberico. It is distinct from lesser forms of jamon as it comes from the famed Iberian pigs, the best varieties of which are fed on acorns. You'll see whole legs of it hanging in bars and restaurants across the country, and they're a staple of the Spanish Christmas hamper, often raffled off by bars to their regular customers."

Spain produces exceptional ham and a wide variety of pork-based dishes. Popular snacks include crunchy, salty torreznos de Soria — fried cubes of pork belly — and cochinillo asado, a suckling pig roasted in a wood oven so tender it can be cut with a plate. Regional morcillas vary widely: Morcilla de Burgos uses rice and stays firm when fried, morcilla de León is moist and spreadable, and Basque morcilla de Beasain includes leeks and pairs well with black beans, cabbage and pickled green chillies. Jamón ibérico comes from acorn-fed Iberian pigs and appears across Spanish bars, Christmas hampers and public festivities.

Read at www.theguardian.com