Can You Eat Iberico Ham When Pregnant? A Complete Guide

Iberico ham also known as “pata negra” is a type of cured ham made from black Iberian pigs in Spain and Portugal. It’s prized for its rich, deep flavor and smooth, silky texture. But is it safe to eat when you’re expecting?

Iberico ham is definitely one of those foods that falls into a gray area during pregnancy Opinions seem to be divided on whether it should be completely avoided or can be eaten in moderation if handled properly

In this complete guide, we’ll look at:

• The curing process and why it matters
• Parasites and other risks
• Official guidelines from different countries
• Safest options for eating Iberico ham when pregnant
• Serving suggestions to reduce risks

Understanding the Curing Process

The first thing to know is that Iberico ham is a dry-cured product. This means it’s preserved primarily by dehydration, rather than brining, smoking or cooking.

The fresh pork legs are rubbed with salt and spices, then hung to air dry for anywhere from 9 months for “jamón curado” to up to 4 years for “jamón ibérico de bellota”. The end result is an intensely flavored ham that is usually served in thin slices without further cooking.

This dry curing process is important when it comes to food safety in pregnancy. The salt and dry air help to preserve the meat while also inhibiting bacteria growth. However, they do not necessarily kill off all parasites and pathogens.

Potential Risks for Pregnant Women

So what are the main risks associated with cured meats like Iberico ham?

Toxoplasmosis

This parasitic infection can be passed to the fetus and cause birth defects or miscarriage. It’s more common in undercooked pork, but dry curing may not kill off all Toxoplasma cysts.

Listeria

Listeria bacteria can also cause miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal infections. It can grow under refrigeration and on equipment used for processing meats.

Nitrites

These curing agents found in some hams may convert to nitrosamines, which are potentially carcinogenic compounds. But Iberico ham is traditionally cured just using salt.

Hypertension

The high sodium content needs to be considered for those at risk of pregnancy-related hypertension.

So while the risks aren’t zero, properly cured artisanal Iberico ham is less hazardous than many other raw or undercooked meats when handled with care.

Official Advice Around the World

Guidance for pregnant women varies quite a bit depending on the country:

• Spain – Women are advised to avoid uncooked cured meats. No specific mention of Iberico ham.
• UK – Cold cooked meats like Parma ham are deemed safe when consumed as part of a meal.
• USA – All raw and undercooked meats should be avoided, including Iberico ham.
• Australia – High risk foods like prosciutto and salami should be avoided completely.
• Canada – Unreheated deli meats, pâtés and meat spreads should be avoided.

So in countries like Spain and the UK, enjoying Iberico ham in moderation may be acceptable, especially if handling and serving recommendations are followed. But in North America and Australia, it seems to be firmly on the “do not eat” list.

As always, it’s smart to have a discussion with your own healthcare provider about the type of cured meats available in your region and make the choice that you feel most comfortable with.

Safest Options for Eating Iberico Ham in Pregnancy

If you decide the risks of eating Iberico ham are low enough for your own pregnancy, here are some tips to further minimize any hazards:

• Choose a reputable producer – Look for artisanal Iberico ham with a trusted seal of quality like “DO Dehesa de Extremadura” or “DO Guijuelo”. Avoid any generic or mass-produced brands.
• Check the label – It should indicate that it’s salt-cured without any nitrates/nitrites added. The longer the curing time, the better.
• Buy vacuum-packed portions – This avoids the risks of a deli slicer pushing bacteria into the meat.
• Keep refrigerated – Store ham sealed and use within 2-3 weeks to inhibit listeria growth. Discard any dried out portions.
• Wash hands thoroughly – And avoid cross-contaminating other foods when handling and slicing the ham.
• Heat thoroughly – Cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C kills toxoplasma and bacteria.

So while cold Iberico ham has the best texture and flavor, heating it provides an extra safety net for vulnerable pregnant women.

Tips for Safely Heating Iberico Ham

If you choose to gently heat Iberico ham before eating, here are some serving suggestions:

• Add slices to a pizza and bake until piping hot.
• Dice or finely chop to mix into hot pasta, risotto or soup right before serving.
• Wrap in foil or bake in pastry until the internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C.
• Warm briefly in a skillet or pan with olive oil until steaming.
• Microwave for 30-60 seconds until piping hot (the texture may suffer slightly).
• Stir jamón bits into simmering stews, beans or potatoes just before eating.
• Roast or grill lightly until sizzling but not burnt or dried out.

Getting the Iberico ham hot enough to kill bacteria without overcooking it into a tough, salty mess does take a bit of practice. But it opens up many more possibilities for enjoying small amounts of this iconic Spanish delicacy when pregnant.

Should You Avoid Iberico Ham Completely During Pregnancy?

At the end of the day, it’s a personal choice whether avoiding Iberico ham and other cured meats altogether gives you greater peace of mind. Every pregnancy is different.

Many Spanish women do continue to eat thin slices of quality jamón ibérico in moderation as part of their customary diet. They may be less worried about Toxoplasma compared to Listeria which tends to be a larger problem in processed deli meats.

But if you have any doubts or your healthcare provider recommends against it, there are plenty of other delicious Spanish foods to discover instead!

Alternatives to Iberico Ham for Pregnant Travelers in Spain

If you’re planning a trip to Spain during pregnancy, you can still savor authentic Spanish cuisine without the uncertainties of cured ham:

• Chorizo – Cooked Spanish sausage is a flavorful alternative if heated until steaming.
• Cold soups – Try chilled gazpacho, ajoblanco or salmorejo.
• Warm chickpea stews – Hearty pots of chickpeas, like cocido madrileño.
• Cheeses – Manchego, Mahón and Zamorano sheep’s cheeses are all pregnancy-safe.
• Croquetas – Crispy ham croquettes made with cooked ham are delicious.
• Hearty omelets – Tortilla de patatas and other egg dishes are very satisfying.
• Grilled meats – Beef, lamb and pork dishes cooked hot on the barbecue or plancha.
• Seafood – From paella to grilled gambas, Spain has amazing seafood.
• Vegetable dishes – Menestra de verduras, pisto and roasted peppers.
• Breads – Fresh pan tumaca topped with tomato and olive oil is iconic.

So while you may need to pass on the platter of thin-sliced jamón at the start of every meal, it’s easy to find plenty of pregnancy-safe alternatives that are just as authentically Spanish. ¡Buen provecho!