For all the happiness it brings to people, [Spanish] jamón also has a darker history and it is one that is threatening to re-emerge in our present culture wars. The esteemed place jamón holds in Spanish culture has been used as a tool for social exclusion. The persecution of heretics during the Spanish Inquisition, beginning in 1478 and lasting almost four centuries, particularly targeted Christian converts from Judaism (conversos) or Islam (moriscos), who continued to practise their religion in secret. The consumption of jamón became a symbol of Catholic identity and therefore a huge part of Spanish public life. But it was also a way of excluding those who did not eat pork on grounds of their faith.
As a way of getting around it, morisco and converso families would hang sausages in their houses. Indeed, some people speculate that this is how the practice of hanging sausages and hams in Spanish bars and restaurants started.
No dear, hams are hung because that is how they are cured, preserved and stored before use. If you don’t mess with them, they get to stay stable for amazing long periods of time.
Look at the photo accompanying the “article”:
I can smell this photo and it is glorious!
I guess the garlic is a no-so-subtle way to discriminate against vampires? And why did you have to go over 500 years ago to find something that triggers your need to feel outraged?
May it be Iberico, Prosciutto or Country, ham is effing delicious and if you can’t eat it, I am sorry for you, but I don’t give two drowned rats if it offends you. Pass the bread and soft cheese to go with it.
Small point of order...
"...particularly targeted Christian converts from Judaism (conversos) or Islam (moriscos), who continued to practise their religion in secret."
They're not really converts if they continue to practice their old religion in secret, now, are they?
this is the vacancy of the liberal skull- constantly looking for outrage.
Fuk em. I eat large amounts of pork things..
“some speculate thats why hams are hung”….thats hilarious. course liberals know all about “hangins” as they are the founders of extreme racism….