Ham or shoulder, which is better?

It is very common to wonder about the differences between ham and shoulder. Although they are similar products, which come from the same animal, the truth is that each of them has very specific peculiarities. So we cannot say that one product is better than the other, they are simply different.

Among other things, we find differences between ham and shoulder ham in the price, the size of the piece, the way it is cut and the flavor.

Origin

The first difference between the two products is their origin. Although shoulder and ham are obtained from the pig, they come from different parts.

The pork shoulder is the front leg of the pig. While the ham is the hind leg. The constitution and anatomy of the pig make the ham a larger and meatier piece, while the shoulder is thinner and with a bone that takes up more space. The latter are the most similar to the arm, since they are the extremity closest to the snout, unlike the ham, which holds the most muscular leg, and ends at the animal's hip.

Ham yield vs. shoulder yield

When we talk about the yield of ham or shoulder, we are referring to the amount of meat we can use from each product.

The yield of a shoulder is lower than that of a ham, due to its shape and size.

Ham has a higher yield and it is easier to use a larger quantity of product.

Regardless of this, each type of ham or shoulder can have more or less fat and meat. Therefore, other factors such as the animal's diet or breed also have an impact on its yield.

Differences in curing between ham and shoulder ham

The closer the meat is to the bone, the less time the piece takes to cure. For this reason, pork shoulders are cured earlier and require less time in the cellar. This factor also influences the price of ham, which tends to be higher.

On the other hand, serrano hams require a shorter curing time than those of cebo or bellota hams, for example.

Differences in flavor between shoulder ham and ham

Another difference between ham and shoulder is the flavor. As the meat of the shoulder is closer to the bone, its flavor is more intense. Therefore, if you are looking for a milder flavor, we recommend buying ham. However, at Jamones Muñoz we have Iberian ham, ideal for ham lovers with a more cured and stronger touch.

Use to which the ham is to be put

The intended use of the ham is a very important factor in making a good purchase.

A large ham-loving family will be able to consume one ham in the recommended period of time.

If, on the other hand, there are only two or one of us in the family, you will probably be more interested in buying a shoulder ham, unless we receive many visitors or it is a special occasion.

If you eat ham on an occasional basis, you might be more interested in our packs of sliced ham or our vacuum-packed ham. In our online ham store you can also buy ham slices in blocks and diced ham for those who use the piece to prepare exquisite dishes.

Conclusion: What to buy?

As you can see, you cannot be guided only by price to know whether it is better to buy a ham or a shoulder ham. Choosing one piece or the other will depend on the intensity of flavor you are looking for and the use you are going to make of it.

We can only tell you that regardless of whether you choose to buy ham or shoulder ham, the flavor of Jamones Muñoz will be exquisite.