Is it better to have the ham cut with a knife or sliced by machine?

Eating ham is always a pleasure, regardless of the cutting method we choose. However, the way we work with this product can clearly affect its organoleptic properties.

Depending on our needs, we will choose one type of cut or another.

Advantages and characteristics of knife cutting:

If we want to fully exploit all our senses while consuming a plate of ham, this should be our choice. Cutting with a knife starts by stimulating the sight, as it is quite spectacular to see how a ham expert works with the piece. Having a ham cut with a knife allows you to enjoy the ham to the maximum because:

• When the ham is cut with a knife, the cut starts in the “maza” or “babilla” (see our post “What are the parts of a ham?”) and it is done from the hoof to the tip. This follows the direction of the veins of the ham, which helps to make the slice more succulent in the mouth and more visually attractive.
• As it is a manual process, the friction of the knife on the meat does not cause heat, allowing all the smoothness of the slice to remain intact. When the cutting process is carried out with a machine, the temperature reached by the slice is higher, losing part of its fat due to the melting of oleic acid.

• It allows us to appreciate more parts and varieties of the ham. It is much easier to enjoy each part of the ham, as the ham expert can access them relatively easily. When cut by machine, this becomes much more complex.
• It is easier to make the ideal slice size: approximately twice as wide as the blade of a ham knife.

Advantages and characteristics of machine cutting:

Machine cutting is done with a slicing machine. Previously, the piece of ham must have been boned. In this case, it is difficult to have the ham cut in the direction of the veins of the ham, since the direction of machine cutting is usually done in the opposite way to cutting with a knife.

• It is usually easier than cutting with a knife. It does not require great knowledge to make a fine and attractive cut.
• It allows large and uniform slices, which may be perfect depending on the dish.
• Regarding the cost, it is always cheaper, since there is not as much time dedicated to labour, nor such a qualified staff.
• The taste is still very good and stimulating.

We must assess the pros and cons of each type of cut. If what we want is to enjoy ham at its fullest, we should choose a ham cut with a knife. Nevertheless, if we cannot eat it this way and the price/time factor is crucial, we must choose the ham cut by machine.

In any case, with a plate of ham (no matter the type of cut) you will enjoy.

Remember that in our shops we have all varieties of ham cut by knife or machine by a ham expert. If you prefer it, you can find it vacuum-packed in our on-line shop, so that you can enjoy the ham, when and how you want!