If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon, you may have heard that you should stay away from all cold cuts, no matter how much you like them. But what about ham? Is it safe to eat Iberian ham while you’re pregnant? The short answer is no, and at Enrique Tomás, we’ll explain why. Lets get started!.
Pregnancy comes with a whole host of dietary dos and don’ts. And one food that often causes confusion is Iberico ham – the famous cured ham from Spain.
You should not eat at all if you are pregnant. Is it safe to do so?
In this complete guide, we’ll give you the expert consensus on eating Iberico ham during pregnancy. So you can indulge in this tasty Spanish delicacy without worry!
What Exactly Is Iberico Ham?
Let’s start with a quick primer on what makes Iberico ham special
Iberico ham comes from a rare heritage breed of black pig called Pata Negra or Iberico pig. They are native to Spain and prized for their fat marbling that creates exceptionally flavorful meat
The pigs are fed a diet of acorns and natural grasses which gives the ham its signature nutty taste.
A careful process of salting, drying, and aging true Iberico ham for at least 36 months makes it ready to eat. The long curing time makes the flavor stronger and makes sure the ham is safe to eat.
The result is an intensely flavored ham with a soft, smooth texture that melts in your mouth. The long back legs are the most prized cuts.
Is It Safe For Pregnant Women?
The main safety concern with cured meats like Iberico ham is toxoplasmosis. This parasitic infection can be passed to the fetus and cause serious complications.
However, Iberico ham that is properly cured for over 18 months is universally considered safe for pregnant women to eat.
This long curing time eliminates any parasites or pathogens that could cause toxoplasmosis. Numerous studies have confirmed there is minimal risk from consuming long-cured Iberico ham during pregnancy.
Choose Top Quality Iberico Ham
Even though properly cured Iberico ham is deemed safe, it’s still smart for pregnant women to choose high-end, top quality products. This ensures ideal curing, handling and food safety.
Seeking out authentic Iberico ham with the highest certifications, like ‘5J’, can give added peace of mind. It guarantees the pigs were purebred and acorn fed for superior flavor and smooth texture.
The best Iberico hams have deep flavor with floral, nutty notes. The texture is soft and smooth yet firm. Quality packaging and slicing is also important.
Take Precautions
While the risks are very low with top notch Iberico ham, there are some simple precautions pregnant women can take:
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Freeze the ham for 2-3 days at -20°C before consuming. Freezing kills off any potential parasite cysts.
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Cook thoroughly to 160°F internal temperature. Heating ham destroys any pathogens present.
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Purchase ham pre-sliced to avoid cross-contamination from slicing.
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Wash hands before and after handling ham.
Following basic food safety practices like these further minimizes any potential risks.
Healthy Serving Tips
To incorporate Iberico ham into a healthy pregnancy diet, try these nutritious serving suggestions:
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Wrap melon or figs with thin slices of Iberico ham for a sweet-salty starter.
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Stuff chicken breast with diced ham and cheese for added flavor.
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Toss ham pieces into salads, pasta, omelets or pizza.
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Mix ham with veggies like asparagus, mushrooms or green beans.
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Add to soups, bean dishes or roasted veggie medleys.
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Bake a potato and top with ham, cheese, green onion and sour cream.
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Puree ham with olive oil, nuts and spices to make a spread for crackers or sandwiches.
With so many uses, it’s easy to enjoy Iberico ham safely during pregnancy. The rich, savory flavor elevates healthy meals and snacks.
Other Foods to Avoid When Pregnant
While properly cured Iberico ham gets the green light, there are other foods that should be avoided during pregnancy:
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Raw or undercooked meats – Including beef, poultry, pork and seafood. These can harbor bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. Cook all meats to recommended safe internal temperatures.
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Unpasteurized dairy – Soft cheeses, milk and juices may contain listeria and other pathogens. Choose pasteurized options only.
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Deli meats – Unless reheated to steaming hot before eating. The slicing process can introduce listeria.
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Smoked seafood – Including lox, nova style salmon or any refrigerated smoked fish. Opt for canned or shelf-stable versions.
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Raw sprouts – Like alfalfa, clover, radish and mung bean sprouts. The humid conditions sprouts grow in are prone to salmonella.
The Verdict?
Most experts agree that pregnant women can safely enjoy Iberico ham, as long as it’s properly cured for over 18 months. Top quality, certified ham gives maximum assurance.
Taking basic food safety precautions like washing hands, cooking thoroughly and freezing before use further reduces any minimal risks.
With its rich, addictive flavor and soft texture, Iberico ham can be a delicious addition to a healthy prenatal diet. In moderation, pregnant moms can savor this Spanish specialty worry-free!
And, what about cold cuts?Iberian chorizo, salchichón, or loin go through a curing process rather than cooking, and, like Iberian ham, these products are cured in drying rooms. As a result, the parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis can also be present in these delicacies, so it’s best to avoid them. It’s important to note that many people might consider freezing as a solution, but since the risk of contracting the parasite doesn’t completely disappear, it’s best to set aside both cold cuts and ham during these months. However, this doesn’t mean you have to give up cold cuts entirely. While it’s true that it’s not the same, you can prepare sandwiches with cooked ham and cheese, as long as it’s not mozzarella, feta, or any other fresh cheese. Although it won’t be the same experience, it’s better to err on the side of caution. So, can you eat Iberian ham during pregnancy? It’s better not to, for both your health and the baby’s well-being.
Taking care of both of you is important!
Is it okay to eat deli meats when I’m pregnant?
FAQ
Is Iberian ham safe to eat?
What ham is safe to eat when pregnant?
Is Iberico ham cooked?
Is Iberico Jamon processed meat?
Can you eat ham during pregnancy?
Here’s the bottom line on ham (and other deli meats) during pregnancy: Nearly all types of food can carry listeria, not just deli meats. According to the CDC, pregnant women are ten times more likely to get sick from listeria. However, listeriosis, while very serious, is still extremely rare.
Are pregnant women allowed to eat shrimps?
Properly cooked shrimp is considered a safe choice for women because it is low in mercury, a which can be detrimental to baby’s health. Consuming moderate amounts of seafood provides a source of the omega-3 fatty acids that a baby needs. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend that pregnant women eat at least 8 ounces, and up to 12 ounces, of a variety of low mercury seafood per week. The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) advises that pregnant women are at higher risk of foodborne illness and its consequences and should avoid raw seafood. For a healthy guide to choosing the right fish, the Environmental Defense Fund provides both a handy guide on toxin load in various fish species and recommended serving limits per month for men, women, and children.
Are cold ham slices safe during pregnancy?
Cold ham slices that you get pre-packaged or from the deli counter are more likely to host bad bacteria. They also contain nitrites/nitrates, preservatives that are likely not the best to have too much of during pregnancy, if at all.
Can you eat a Ham in a can?
Any ham that is in a can (e.g. Princes, Swift, Celebrity, DAK, and other brands) and that is shelf-stable (not in a fridge) is safe to eat as the contents are pasteurized during the canning process. This means that even if it’s chopped or luncheon meat style ham (like Spam), it’s still safe as the process will kill any bacteria present.