Jamonera facts for kids
A jamonera is a special stand used to hold a leg of cured ham, like jamón serrano or jamón ibérico, while it is being sliced. It is also sometimes called a portajamones or jamonero. This clever device uses a clamp and a wooden base to keep the ham steady. The long, flexible knife used to carve the ham is known as a cuchillo jamonero.
What is a Jamonera?
A jamonera is like a special holder for a whole leg of ham. It has a strong wooden base and metal parts that clamp onto the ham. This stand makes it easy and safe to slice the ham very thinly.
How Does it Work?
The jamonera holds the ham firmly in place. The thinner end of the ham leg is clamped high up. The thicker part of the ham rests on the wooden base, held by a metal spike. Once the ham is on the stand, it can be stored at room temperature. People often cover it with a cloth to keep it from drying out too much.
Where Did it Come From?
The jamonera was first created in Spain. It has a simple, strong design that has been used for a long time. This design helps people easily slice the famous Spanish cured hams.
The Jamonero Knife
To slice ham from a jamonera, you need a special knife. This knife is called a cuchillo jamonero. It has a very long, thin, and flexible blade. This design helps people cut very fine, even slices of ham.
See also
In Spanish: Portajamones para niños
