Jamón, Jamón... $2,000 per Pound?!

We've mentioned previously that Spanish are "loco" for their "jamón" or ham. There is the "Serrano" type and then there is the "Ibérico" which has a Denomination of Origin or D.O. The "Ibérico" has strict regulations of production - from how the pigs are raised, what they are fed, their age at slaughter, minimum number of months to age the hams, etc. The company Cárnicas Maldonado, located in Extremadura and already famous for producing excellent quality hams have taken Jamón Ibérico to a new level. Last year they announced the production of an extra special "reserve" ham called Jamón Reserva Alba Quercus Maldonado. Each ham to be sold for 1,150 euros. These hams would be produced from lampiño pigs and raised free-range, in addition to following the strict rules of production of Jamón Ibérico.

Recently, foodie web sites, blogs and news wires have picked up the story that some of these hams would be imported to the USA in 2008. From what we read, the price will be $2,100 USD per leg! We'd like to buy one so we could tell you how it tastes, but we're short about $2,000 USD.

• Introduction to Jamón

Hams in Don Jamon Cafe in Spain (c) 2006 L. Sierra Licensed to About.com