New Sliced Cecina Tender Smoked Beef

Thoughts of the city of León in northwest Spain bring visions of tender, smoky slices of cured beef with its deep red color and unparalleled flavor. This is cecina, lesser known but just as worthy of culinary acclaim as Serrano or Ibérico ham. And like jamón, over thousands of years the people of Spain have transformed the curing of beef from a necessity to an art, creating a delicate, flavorful meat unlike any other in the world.

Alas, Spain is not permitted to export beef to the United States. But because of the dedication of a family in the countryside of Patagonia, Chile, you are able to enjoy this rare delicacy. Pedro Grez and his wife take premium, free-range beef and carefully cure and cold smoke each piece with oak in the Spanish tradition. After about four months, each piece is cleaned and prepared for market. Quality is their goal, from premium ingredients and spices, to personally deciding when each cecina is cured to perfection.

Serve this delicacy thinly sliced, always at room temperature as you would Spanish jamón. It is usually enjoyed by itself with your favorite Spanish beverage, or as a garnish for salads or roasted vegetables. Cecina can be served alongside a plate of sliced Serrano ham, where the similarities and contrasts between these two classic cured meats can be enjoyed.

León, in northwest Spain, was founded by the Romans (León probably derives from the word "legion", as opposed to its modern spelling which means "lion"). Because of a cooler, greener climate there is a stronger tradition of cattle farming. Smoking and curing beef became an important way to preserve meat starting in Roman times, and over countless generations the method was perfected. Today, the full flavor and delicate texture of cecina speaks to this history, and makes cecina a truly special cured meat.

This cecina was carefully sliced by the producer and has a shelf life of four months from date of production if it is refrigerated and unopened. Once opened, enjoy within a few days. Cecina does not require cooking, but can be added to recipes.

Gluten Free.