World's Best Ham by PataNegra.dk

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,...