Philippine ham or “jamón” is one of the culinary legacies left behind by Spain after its rule that lasted 377 years. There are other traditional Spanish dishes that have left a legacy but for many, ham is the most popular of them all.
Philippine ham comes in many shapes and tastes, but the most famous shape is the ball-shaped “hamon de bola,” which is usually sweet. Although hamon de bola is popular, Chinese ham is more popular and is also present on the table during Christmas along with hamon de bola. Chinese ham differs in flavor from hamon de bola in that it is both salty and sweet. Most people like this mix of salt and sweetness.
The Majestic brand of hams is another sweet and salty brand that differs from this type of ham. The secret of its unique flavor is the curing process. The hams are cured in oak barrels and then aged to reach their full flavour. It is seasoned with spices before cooking to achieve the perfect flavor. Their brand has been established for over seventy years and is one of the most popular ham brands in the Philippines.
When serving Chinese ham, it must first be heated or cooked and then drenched in the accompanying sauce. There are Chinese hams and ball hams that are commercially available, but the ones that taste the best are made by restaurants and specialty shops. The hams available on the market are usually made with preservatives that are harmful to our health. The more expensive hams taste better than the cheap, mass-produced varieties. During the Christmas season, people give away Chinese hams or bola ham to other family members, friends, and co-workers.
After going to the midnight mass or “simbang gabi”, people go home and eat their “Noche Buena” or midnight meal. It is also the time when the family exchanges gifts with each other. The Christmas buffet or “Noche Buena” is not complete without the trio of Chinese ham, ball ham and ball cheese. Ball cheese or edam cheese is eaten together with ham and is often placed inside slices of bread to make a sandwich. During Christmas dinner, Filipinos also drink wine.
Other countries have their own type of hams with unique curing processes, but the most popular and rare is the “Jamon Ibérico de Bellota” from Spain. It is an acorn-cured ham that is best known for its distinctive and very nutty flavor that is very famous throughout the world. It has a very long curing process that contributes to its flavor and texture.
