Frequently asked questions
Everything worth knowing before you order your Iberian ham from Guijuelo. If your question isn’t here, write to us at info@jamongourmet.es — there are real people on the other side.
About the product
What’s the difference between the Iberian ham quality grades?
Spanish quality regulation classifies ham by two things: the pig’s breed and its diet. From highest to lowest: 100% Iberian acorn-fed (black seal), Iberian acorn-fed (red seal, usually 75% or 50% Iberian breed), Iberian free-range grain-fed (green seal) and Iberian grain-fed (white seal). We explain it calmly in How to choose an Iberian ham.
Does “pata negra” mean 100% Iberian?
Not necessarily. “Pata negra” (black hoof) is a popular name, not a legal category: many Iberian pigs have a dark hoof without being 100% Iberian breed. What truly indicates purity is the coloured seal and the label. We break it down in Bands and seals.
What is the PDO Guijuelo and why does it matter?
The Protected Denomination of Origin Guijuelo certifies that the piece was cured in Guijuelo following its standard: a mountain microclimate at 1,000 m, slow and natural curing. Hernández Jiménez co-founded the PDO in 1986. More in The PDO Guijuelo explained.
How do I know it’s a genuine Hernández Jiménez?
By the PDO Guijuelo seal and our own brand band. You buy directly from the factory, with no middlemen: what leaves our cellars reaches your home.
Do you sell the whole piece, sliced or boneless?
All three, depending on the product: whole bone-in piece, boneless, or sliced and vacuum-packed. You choose when adding the product to the cart.
Buying and shipping
How much does shipping cost?
Mainland Spain and the Balearics, and Portugal: €10, and free from €99 (VAT not included). Canary Islands €59, Ceuta and Melilla €20. All international destinations are in Shipping & times. You can also collect in Guijuelo at no cost, letting us know in advance.
How long does delivery take?
Typically 48-72 h in mainland Spain. To protect the transport cold chain, orders placed from Thursday at 16:00 are prepared and shipped the following Monday, so the goods don’t spend the weekend in transit.
Does it need refrigeration? How does the ham travel?
Cured ham doesn’t need refrigeration: it travels in specific packaging with a trusted courier. Vacuum-packed slices keep perfectly during the journey.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, to much of Europe and Israel. Per-country rates and times are in Shipping & times. For destinations not listed, write to us before ordering and we’ll confirm the time and rate.
Storage and carving
How do I store the ham at home?
In a cool, dry place, protecting the cut area with its own fat or a cotton cloth. We cover it step by step in How to keep Iberian ham.
How long does it last?
Unopened, months in good conditions. Once started, it’s best enjoyed within a few weeks; the more surface left exposed, the sooner it should be eaten. Vacuum-packed slices, once opened, within a few days.
Does machine slicing keep as well as knife carving?
Yes. Knife carving is a pleasure and a craft —you’ll see it in How to carve a ham— but machine slicing vacuum-packed keeps flavour and aroma intact, and is the most convenient option if you’d rather not carve yourself.
Guarantee and contact
What if the product arrives in poor condition or I’m not convinced?
You have our 100% money-back guarantee. If something isn’t up to standard, write to us and we’ll sort it out. Conditions in Our guarantee.
How do I contact you?
By phone at +34 623 76 35 49, by WhatsApp or by email at info@jamongourmet.es. Real people and a fast reply.
Can I visit the factory or collect in person?
We’re in Guijuelo (Salamanca, Spain). Write to us to arrange a visit or an in-person collection; collection in Guijuelo has no shipping cost.
Allergens
What allergen information do you have?
Cured Iberian ham and cured meats are made traditionally from Iberian pork, salt and, depending on the product, natural spices, with slow curing. For detailed allergen information about a specific product, write to us at info@jamongourmet.es and we’ll provide it before your purchase.