Contact Us
Customer care: +1 646 371 2128
Email: [email protected]
Covap-USA, LLC
379 W Broadway 2nd floor
New York, NY 10012-5125
Hours: Monday – Friday. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are your items from?
All our products come from 100% Ibérico pigs raised free range in the Valley of Los Pedroches, a unique ecosystem set in the south of Spain, in the north of the province of Córdoba, which is home to one of the largest holm oak forests in the world: nearly 300,000 hectares of woods and fields offer our Ibérico pigs the ideal environment to grow in total freedom eating just acorns and wild grass, what gives our Ibérico products their special flavor, making them unique.
What is the difference between Jamón & Paleta?
Both pieces constitute the pork noblest pieces of the Ibérico pig.
The Ham is the most valued piece and selected exclusively for its racial purity and balance. This piece comes from the back legs of the 100% Ibérico pig and its approximate weight is 16 lb.
The Shoulder is a valued piece for having a very juicy meat that comes from the front legs of the 100% Ibérico pig and its approximate weight is 10 lb.
What is the Difference Between Acorn-fed 100% Ibérico Pork Ham and other Spanish Ham?
Alta Expresión Acorn-fed 100% Ibérico Pork Ham comes from the cooperative’s members’ own ranch. The pigs roam free in the Dehesa and eat grass and acorns.
What are white spots in my Acorn-fed 100% Ibérico Pork Ham?
Sometimes, small white spots appear on the slices. These are tyrosine crystals, the precipitation of amino acids generated during the aging process of the meat. They become visible as a result of the natural drying process in the larder and do not affect the final flavor of the ham.
Health & Nutrition Facts of Acorn-fed 100% Ibérico Pork Ham
The quality of our Acorn-fed 100% Ibérico Pork Hams and Shoulders and their particular composition make them a highly recommendable food for our health and well-being.
The key lies in the diet of our own herd of 100% Ibérico pigs in a traditional rearing system, i.e. with the pigs roaming free, eating acorns with a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids (over 55% oleic acid, the same as olive oil), providing a healthy fat which is beneficial for our organism.
In addition, the natural pastures of our “Dehesa” give its meat a high content of vitamins, minerals and natural antioxidants, resulting in a very healthy source of protein.
It is therefore a healthy product and an essential part of the Mediterranean diet.
How long is your Alta Expresión Acorn-fed 100% Ibérico Pork Ham aged for?
The Acorn-fed 100% Ibérico Pork Ham has been subjected to a long aging process in our own natural drying houses for a minimum of 36 months. Our expert ham-makers supervise and vouch for its maximum quality and excellent flavor.
How to Store and Preserve a Whole Ham?
Keep the Whole Ham in a dry and cool place (between 50 – 59 ºF), preferably hung up or mounted on the ham holder. It is very important when you finish slicing to protect the exposed surface of the piece by covering it with a few layers of the fat and hard skin that you have already saved, keeping the surface fat fresh and moist.
Finally, wrap the piece in a Ham cover or cling film to prevent it from coming into contact with the air.
Do I need to refrigerate my Acorn-fed 100% Ibérico Pork Ham?
No. Keep the ham in a dry and cool place (between 50 – 59 ºF), preferably hung up or mounted on the ham holder.
How long does a Whole Ham last?
When properly stored, the shelf life of a Ham is 18 months.
Why does mold growth in the piece?
Natural Mold Growth is normal and expected once opened. If you want to remove mold before starting to carve the piece, we recommend that you take a clean kitchen cloth and soak it in olive il. You only have to slide it through the moldy areas, you will see how the mold disappears.
How to Carve Acorn-fed 100% Ibérico Pork Ham?
We invite you to visit our carving video to enjoy your piece: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWZbYdyGek4&list=PLoyMHoNFVCpNkQW99m93RYGX3JtVV648W
Which is the first step to carve the Ham?
Place the Ham firmly in the ham holder with the hoof pointing upwards to start slicing the maza. Fixing the Ham firmly in position.
How to Store and Preserve Sliced Ham?
Keep refrigerated between 32 and 41 ºF. Once opened, consume within 7 days. Allow to stand 10 minutes before serving.
What is the weight of the Sliced Ham package?
The Alta Expresión Ibérico Pork products offers you a selection of unique flavors, each sliced and in a practical 2oz package.
How many slices are in a package of Sliced Ham?
Our practical 2oz Alta Expresión Acorn-fed 100% Ibérico Pork Ham contains approximately 5 long fine slices. As you taste each wafer-thin slice of your piece, magic occurs. The first notes of acorn appear, from the air of the “Dehesa”, from the silence of the drying houses… An infinite number of different nuances which inspire to create moments of enjoyment.
Because inspiration comes when our senses are active, paying each new sensation the attention it deserves. Calmly savoring each slice and allowing the succulent, aromatic ham to melt in your mouth.
Which is the correct way to consume the Ham?
Place the slices in a single layer on the plate, perhaps overlapping slightly, to allow the slices to oxygenate and release all their aroma and flavor. The Ham should be served at room temperature (between 69 – 75 ºF) to best enjoy the flavors of this product
How to pair Acorn-fed 100% Ibérico Pork Ham?
Matching an Acorn-fed 100% Ibérico Pork Ham with a good wine is an art in itself, especially when we are talking about Alta Expresión, due to intense, personal flavor, as well as that unique sweetness that comes from the acorns from our Dehesa.
A unique pleasure that requires the perfect accompaniment: a wine which, due to its character and body, enhances and accentuates the succulent texture and aromatic taste of the Ham.
Fortified wines, especially fino and manzanilla sherries, are an excellent accompaniment to this jewel of gastronomy. And we can also discover surprising combinations, full of new, audacious sensations, with other wines such as cava or champagne.
In addition, Acorn-fed 100% Ibérico Pork Ham is very easy to pair, but we like to recommend its consumption accompanied by bread sprinkled with virgin olive oil from our land.
