August 22, 2007
Spanish farm selling world's most expensive ham
A Spanish manufacturer is launching what may be the world's most expensive ham, press agency AP reported Tuesday (Aug 21).
The salt-cured ham is expected to cost about US$2,100 per leg, or US$160 per pound.
The "2006 Alba Quercus Reserve" ham would be available late 2008 and would have to be bought whole. Only 80-100 legs are available.
The ham would come from the farm of Manuel Maldonado who is in a family tradition of ham producers.
The first batch was supposed to be available this year but failed his high standards.
The animals used for the hams have had a state-of-the-art life, with a free-range lifestyle and top-quality diet of acorns.
The hams are cured for two years - twice as long as normal, thus justifying the price.
