World's Best Ham by PataNegra.dk

Pata Negra Ham In the picturesque town of Bayonne, France, the 562nd edition of the Bayonne Ham Fair commenced with a momentous achievement. Amélie Etchepare, a dedicated artisan from Urepel, clinched the coveted title in the farmhouse ham competition on April 10, 2025. After a decade of persistent participation, her victory underscores the profound dedication and craftsmanship inherent in traditional ham-making. A Decade of Dedication Amélie's journey to this accolade was marked by unwavering commitment. She honed her skills for ten years, drawing inspiration from her father and neighbor, Marcel Hualde—a five-time winner of the same competition. Her award-winning ham, matured for 18 months, demonstrates attention to detail and a thorough grasp of the curing process. "I'm very tenacious. I'm stubborn, I don't give up!" she remarked, highlighting the perseverance required in her craft. The Auction Highlight Following her win, Amélie's ham, weighing approxim...

This Thursday marked the opening of the 560th Bayonne Ham Fair, a cherished event celebrating the finest traditions of Basque charcuterie. One of the fair's highlights was the competition for the best farmhouse ham, a rigorous contest where the region’s most skilled producers showcased their craft. The Best Farmhouse Ham: A Crowning Achievement This year, 25 farmhouse producers entered the competition, presenting 34 meticulously cured hams to be judged by experts from the Confrérie du Jambon and seasoned charcutiers like André Hargous, Christian Montauzer, and Éric Ospital. T he jury evaluated the entries using  boxwood probes or horse fibulas,  based on the cut, aroma, and drying time. Once again, Marcel Hualde, a farmer from Aldudes, emerged victorious with his exceptional 17 kg ham, aged 18 months. This marks Hualde’s fifth win in the competition, solidifying his reputation as a master of the craft. His secret? “In the Aldudes Valley, we’re blessed with a warm south wind fr...

Under the blazing Basque sun, Ximun Goyty of Irissarry claimed the coveted first prize in the farmhouse ham competition, an event steeped in tradition and cherished by the local community. This prestigious competition, held annually in the heart of the Basque Country, celebrates the craftsmanship behind one of the region's most iconic delicacies: Pata Negra ham and other premium farmhouse hams. A Tradition Rooted in History The farmhouse ham competition, organized by the Bayonne Ham Brotherhood, is a proud tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. It attracts local participants and visitors from far and wide, including neighboring Spain, emphasizing the ham’s cultural and culinary significance in the Basque region. Judging the Finest Hams Selecting the best ham is a meticulous process. The jury, composed of master butchers and representatives of the Bayonne Ham Brotherhood, employs time-honored techniques to evaluate each entry. Using a fine probe made from boxwood or horse fibula,...