There are some things that are VERY apparent that Spaniards can’t live with out.
Two things being: bread and ham.
Every meal comes with an endless amount of bread. And apparently here in Spain, bread is considered to be an eating utensil. Right alongside a fork, spoon and knife.
You even put your pieces of bread next to your plate and not on it.
Interesting concept but kind of makes sense if you think about it and watch how the Spaniards use their bread.
But here in Spain, you eat bread with EVERYTHING. Here bread is actually considered to be very “healthy” for you, which is very opposite of the opinion going on in the US right now. So, I am not sure which side to believe.
People also refer to their bread eating habits as “carbs on carbs on carbs”. Bread with potatoes, bread with bread, bread with rice, etc.
Bread with EVERYTHING.
But besides bread another Spanish essential is ham.
Not just any ham but cured ham.
I understand their love for ham and their love for all parts of a pig. I get it. Spain loves pigs.
But the interesting part is how they sell these pieces of ham.
When you walk into a super market, pig legs are just hanging around. Literally. And not refrigerated or anything like that.
But when you walk into these stores and you get near the ham section… you know… you can smell it.
Think about the times when you have walked into a pet store and you get close to the dog treats. Can you think of the smell of raw hide and dried pigs ears? Yeah, that’s what the grocery stores here smell like in the ham sections.
But a little more intense….
At the store, you can ask for some shavings off a specific leg or you can buy a WHOLE leg and take it home with you.
I have seen first hand a whole pig leg in someone’s kitchen. It was the centerpiece of this kitchen and was considered to be something to be very proud of. And here in Spain, this is super common.
You buy a pigs leg, leave it out in your kitchen unrefrigerated and then shave off pieces whenever you feel like having some ham.
And this seems very Spanish to me.
From now on when I think of Spain, I am going to think of whole pig legs in stores and homes.
You too could own your very own unrefrigerated pig leg – hoof and all.
I would bring some back to the US with me as gifts but apparently you are not allowed to bring them on planes. So sad. I am sorry disappoint but I guess you’ll just have to come out here to get one for yourself!