World's Best Ham by PataNegra.dk

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...