Serrano ham is a mainstay of the Mediterranean diet and especially Spanish cooking. It can be eaten during pregnancy by women who have had toxoplasmosis in the past, just like other raw or undercooked meats. But can pregnant woman who have not been infected with this disease also consume ham?.
Pregnancy comes with a whole host of dietary changes and restrictions. With all the rules about what you can and can’t eat, it can be tricky trying to figure out if certain foods are safe. One food that often pops up in pregnancy diet discussions is serrano ham.
As someone who is expecting, you may be wondering: can I eat serrano ham when pregnant?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about eating serrano ham during pregnancy. We’ll look at:
- What exactly is serrano ham?
- Is it safe to eat serrano ham while pregnant?
- Benefits of eating serrano ham when pregnant
- Potential risks and how to mitigate them
- Healthy alternatives to serrano ham
By the end of this guide you’ll feel knowledgeable and empowered to make the right decision about consuming this tasty Spanish cured meat during your pregnancy.
What Is Serrano Ham?
Before we dive into whether or not it’s safe to eat, let’s start with the basics – what exactly is serrano ham?
Serrano ham is a type of cured ham that originally hails from Spain. It’s made from the hind legs of white pigs that are fed a diet primarily of acorns and cereals.
The pigs used for serrano ham are purpose-bred for the job and come from selective stock Popular breeds are Duroc, Landrace, and Large White.
To make serrano ham, the fresh pork legs are salted and left to cure for at least 12 months, though usually it’s more like 15 to 18 months or longer. This long curing time deepens the flavor and ensures the ham is safe to eat without further cooking.
Unlike many other types of ham, serrano ham is not smoked. The distinctive flavor comes purely from the long cure.
Once fully cured, serrano ham is firm and dense with a bold, salty, meaty flavor. It ranges from pink to deep red in color. When sliced paper thin, it literally melts in your mouth!
Now that you know exactly what serrano ham is, let’s talk about whether or not it’s safe to eat during pregnancy.
Is Serrano Ham Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?
The main safety concern with cured meats like serrano ham is toxoplasmosis. This is a parasitic infection that can be passed to your baby and cause serious complications.
Toxoplasmosis is often found in raw or undercooked meat and unwashed fruits and vegetables. However, properly cured meats like serrano ham carry little to no risk.
According to research, serrano ham is safe to eat during pregnancy as long as it has been cured for at least 18 months.
A study by the Spanish organization CICAP found that 18 months is sufficient time for the curing and drying process to destroy any toxoplasmosis parasites.
As long as you are eating serrano ham that has been cured for a minimum of 18 months, it is considered safe to consume while pregnant. Be sure to double check the packaging or ask your deli counter for confirmation of the curing time.
When eating serrano ham while pregnant, you still need to take the usual food safety precautions:
- Wash your hands before handling the ham
- Use a clean cutting board and knife
- Avoid cross-contamination with other raw meats and unwashed produce
- Store leftovers promptly in the refrigerator
As long as you follow general food safety guidelines, properly cured serrano ham that has aged over 18 months poses minimal risks during pregnancy.
The Benefits of Serrano Ham for Pregnant Women
Now that you know it’s safe to eat, you may be wondering – is serrano ham good for you during pregnancy?
As it turns out, serrano ham provides several beneficial nutrients that can support a healthy pregnancy when consumed in moderation.
Here are some of the top benefits of adding serrano ham to your pregnancy diet:
High-Quality Protein – Serrano ham provides an excellent source of protein needed for your growing baby. The protein in cured meats is also easier to digest than fresh pork.
Iron – Serrano ham contains heme iron, the most easily absorbed form. Iron helps prevent pregnancy-related anemia.
Vitamin B1 – Also called thiamine, vitamin B1 aids fetal brain and nervous system development.
Zinc – This mineral supports a healthy immune system for you and baby. It’s also key for cell growth.
Potassium – Serrano ham is high in potassium, an electrolyte that regulates blood pressure.
In addition to its stellar nutritional profile, serrano ham is tasty and easy to include in a balanced pregnancy diet. A little goes a long way when it’s thinly sliced.
Potential Risks of Eating Serrano Ham While Pregnant
While serrano ham that’s properly cured is considered low risk, there are still a few potential downsides you should be aware of.
Sodium Content – Like many cured meats, serrano ham is high in sodium. Consuming too much sodium can increase swelling and raise blood pressure. Be sure to eat serrano ham in moderation.
Nitrates – Curing salt containing nitrates and nitrites is used to make serrano ham. In large amounts, these compounds may be harmful, but serrano ham is fine in moderation.
Deli Meat Handling – Be cautious when buying sliced serrano ham from the deli counter. Improper food handling could contaminate the meat. Opt for pre-packaged options when possible.
Allergies – Some people are allergic to pork. Serrano ham would be unsafe for anyone with a confirmed pork allergy.
As long as you don’t overdo it and take care in sourcing and handling serrano ham, the risks are minimal. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Healthy Alternatives to Serrano Ham While Pregnant
If after weighing the pros and cons you decide to skip the serrano ham, don’t worry – you have plenty of options! Here are some nutritious alternatives to enjoy instead:
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Cooked ham – Opt for fully cooked ham which carries lower risk of toxoplasmosis.
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Prosciutto – This Italian dry-cured ham is safe when consumed in moderation.
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Turkey and chicken – Deli turkey and rotisserie chicken make easy, lower-sodium substitutes.
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Tofu – Get creative with marinated, baked tofu for a plant-based alternative.
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Salmon – Smoked salmon provides omega-3s and protein.
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Beans – All types of beans pack fiber, protein, and iron.
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Cheese – Go for hard cheeses like parmesan or swiss for a savory, salty flavor.
With so many alternatives, you can certainly satisfy any serrano ham craving you might have over the next nine months!
The Bottom Line – Can I Eat Serrano Ham While Pregnant?
So, what’s the verdict? Yes, you can safely eat serrano ham during pregnancy as long as it has been cured for at least 18 months.
Serrano ham offers protein, iron, potassium and other key nutrients for expecting mothers. In moderation, it can be part of a healthy prenatal diet.
That said, be mindful of food safety, watch your sodium intake, and consider alternatives if you have any concerns. Talk to your doctor or dietitian if you need guidance.
Above all, remember that the most important thing is eating a wide variety of nutritious foods to nourish you and your growing baby. With the proper precautions, serrano ham can be one delicious piece of that balanced diet!
Frozen Meats are SaferOne of the main recommendations is that the ham must have been frozen and then thawed prior to its consumption. The toxoplasmosis parasite cannot survive being exposed to temperatures of -20ºC for two days, or -10ºC for three days. Therefore, products that have been frozen under these temperatures and for these periods of time may be consumed, after having thawed them slowly.
- Salting for one or several days.
- Moisture is drained for 24 to 48 hours at 0ºC.
- Putting it somewhere between 3 and 5oC to dry for a few days
- Cure for a few months at a temperature of 10 to 20 ºC
Normal salt concentration in
What is toxoplasmosis and who can get it?Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondi This disease can be contracted in the following ways:
- Exposure to the excrements of infected cats.
- Consumption of raw or undercooked contaminated meat.
- Use of utensils that have cut contaminated raw meat.
- Drinking contaminated water.
- Getting a blood transfusion or organ transplant from someone who has the infection
Most of those who are infected do not actually have the disease, but the parasite can cause serious problems in some people, including those with a weakened immune (defence) system and babies of mothers who contracted the infection during pregnancy. The condition can lead to lesions in the brain, eyes and other organs. However, medical treatment does exist for these cases. Generally speaking, if a woman has not had toxoplasmosis prior to her pregnancy, she should avoid eating raw or undercooked meats because of the risk of contracting this disease during
Are deli meats safe during pregnancy? Dietitian explains
FAQ
Is serrano ham cooked or raw?
What kind of ham can I eat when pregnant?
Is it safe to eat serrano ham?
Why is serrano ham not allowed in us?
Can pregnant women eat Serrano ham?
The star food of the Mediterranean diet and particularly of Spanish cooking is Serrano ham, and just like with other raw or undercooked meats, it is allowed during pregnancy in those women who have previously had toxoplasmosis. But can pregnant woman who have not been infected with this disease also consume ham?
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.
Can I eat Iberico and serrano ham when pregnant?
Will be recommended to avoid raw meats, bearly cooked, and also cured meats to prevent the disease, is not to harmfull for the mother but can be really dangerous for the fetus if it contracts during pregnancy. Is Iberico and Serrano ham raw? It is a product that is obtained by salting, I believe the times are from 11 days to 14 days.
When should you eat a Serrano ham?
The right time to eat them is when an experienced ham-master inserts a long splinter of cow bone and whiffs the jamón, like a connoisseur of wine who sniffs the cork. Until recently there were no Serrano hams in the U.S. and we are proud to carry all that are available.