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Expensive just got really expensive

Print | Comments () Posted by Devra First February 12, 2009 05:26 PM

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Perhaps you've had the opportunity to try the exquisite jamon iberico de bellotta, which began arriving legally in this country for the first time in August. The prized Spanish ham is an expensive treat, retailing for around $100 a pound, or $1,400 for a whole ham.

Victor Grillo (right, with Matthew Torti) was on a waiting list for jamon iberico de bellotta for two years. When it arrived in August, he threw a party. (Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff)

According to La Tienda, an importer instrumental in getting the ham into this country, the USDA has just put new regulations in place. The distinctive black hoof you can see in the photo above -- proof that what you're getting is the real thing -- must now be removed. And there is a new 100 percent tariff on all bone-in hams imported from Europe after March. Goodbye $1,400 ham, hello $2,800 ham.

La Tienda has a few remaining hoof-on hams at the old price. If you'd like to buy one, now is the time.

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2 comments so far...

I know that this has been up here for a week, but I have a question, o food experts at the Boston Globe: it seems to me that this "bone-in ham" thing would also apply to the various (delicious) Italian hams. Will prosciutto now cost upwards of $40/pound, presuming that these tariffs actually take effect? If so, that's much bigger news than the Iberico sitch.

Posted by Josh V. February 18, 09 02:32 PM

Only bone-in prosciutto is included, very little of which is exported to the US -- some, but a small fraction of the prosciutto we get, according to David Biltchik, chairman of Consultants International Group, which represents the Italian National Association of Meat Processors. But yes, bone-in prosciutto, jamon serrano, etc. would be affected along with many other products should these duties go into effect at the end of March. Roquefort, for example, would incur a 300 percent tax. The tariffs would likely be enough to nip the import of jamon iberico in the bud. There is no valid US facsimile of the product, either -- perhaps La Quercia will follow its marvelous Iowan prosciutto with jamon iowano.

For a complete list of products affected, go to: http://tinyurl.com/alabh7

Posted by Devra First February 18, 09 03:41 PM

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