All about Spanish ham
In our shop in Málaga we get the same questions every day. Here we answer them for the Netherlands: honestly and without jargon.
Guide
Spanish ham: the complete guide
Everything about Spanish ham in one place: serrano and ibérico, jamón and paleta, label colours, regions, prices in the Netherlands, buying, storing and serving.
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The basics
Serrano ham vs Ibérico ham: what is the difference?
Serrano or Ibérico? How the two Spanish hams differ in breed, feeding, curing time, flavour and price, with a handy comparison table.
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Buying
Where to buy Ibérico ham in the Netherlands (2026 guide)
Supermarket, online specialist, butcher or straight from Spain: an honest overview of where to buy Ibérico ham in the Netherlands, and what to look for.
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Labels
Bellota, cebo de campo and cebo: the four label colours explained
What do bellota, cebo de campo and cebo mean? And why does Ibérico ham have a black, red, green or white label? How to read a Spanish ham label.
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Pata negra
What is pata negra? (And what it is not)
Pata negra means 'black hoof', but not every ham with a black hoof is pata negra. What the term means under Spanish rules and how to recognise the real thing.
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Practical
How to store and serve Ibérico ham
How do you store sliced Ibérico ham, and at what temperature should you serve it? Practical tips for vacuum-packed ham, a whole leg and the best wine to go with it.
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Business
Christmas hampers 2026 in the Netherlands: trends, budget and a guide for HR
What do Dutch employers give as a Christmas hamper in 2026? Trends, average budget per employee, four types of hampers compared and an HR checklist.
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Parties & drinks
How much ham per person? A handy guide
How many grams of Spanish ham per person for drinks, a party or as a starter? With a table for 10, 20 and 50 guests and how much a whole ham yields.
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Business
Original Christmas hampers: 8 ideas your staff will love
Looking for an original Christmas hamper for your staff in the Netherlands? 8 ideas beyond the standard box, with tips on budget, dietary needs and delivery.
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Business · tax
Christmas hampers and Dutch tax: the work-related costs scheme (WKR) in 2026
Is a Christmas hamper tax-free in the Netherlands? How it fits the WKR allowance (2026: 2% up to €400,000), when the 80% final levy applies, and VAT rules.
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The basics
Why is Ibérico ham so expensive?
Ibérico ham easily costs €100 to €300 per kilo. Six reasons why: the breed, the acorns, the space in the dehesa, years of curing, weight loss and craftsmanship.
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The basics
Jamón vs paleta: what is the difference?
Jamón is the hind leg, paleta the front leg. The difference in weight, curing, flavour, yield and price, and when to choose which.
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Serving
Which wine goes with Ibérico ham?
The best wine with Ibérico ham: fino or manzanilla, cava, a crisp white or a light red. Why these pairings work and what to avoid.
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Buying
Ibérico ham from the supermarket or a specialist: what to look for
Ibérico ham from the supermarket or a specialist? Seven things to check: name, label colour, breed percentage, slicing, thickness and price per kilo.
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