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...

Pata Negra Ham In 2025, the renowned 100% Iberian Acorn-fed Ham Fair will celebrate its milestone 25th edition in Villanueva de Córdoba, marking a quarter-century of showcasing Spain’s finest gastronomy. Announced at the International Tourism Fair (Fitur), this year's event promises new and exciting features, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of Spain’s gastronomic calendar. An Expanded Celebration The 25th edition brings an exciting change: the tasting days will now span three days, from Friday, November 7, to Sunday, November 9, while the overall festivities will begin on Thursday, November 6. This extension reflects the fair’s growing popularity, allowing more visitors to immerse themselves in the rich flavors and traditions of the Los Pedroches region. Mayor Isaac Reyes emphasized the significance of this milestone: “This 25th edition is an essential achievement because it represents a consolidated event and a reference among Spain’s best gastronomic fairs. The continuity of th...

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...