Differences between ham and shoulder

The Iberian ham and the Iberian shoulder are products derived from the Iberian pig, but they differ in some aspects:

1. Origin: the ham comes from the hind legs of the pig and the shoulder comes from the front legs.
2. Size and weight: the ham is larger and heavier than the shoulder, since the hind legs are larger than the front ones.
3. Texture and flavor: ham has a firmer texture and a more intense flavor due to its greater infiltration of fat and the fact that it is more exposed to air during the curing process. The popsicle has a softer texture and a sweeter, smoother flavor.
4. Price: ham is usually more expensive than shoulder, since its curing process is longer and requires more time and care.

In summary, ham and shoulder are two delicious and appreciated products in Spanish gastronomy, but they differ in their origin, size, texture, flavor and price.