Jamon Iberico is a true jewel of culinary Spain. Not only is this ham delicately raised on a steady diet of acorns but is also crafted from exclusively pigs with black hoofs, pata negra.

After spending the day in Sitges, a city 40 minutes outside Barcelona, we walked into this store specializing in the product. Here the master charcutier carefully cuts slices by knife.

Note to self: Even vaccum sealed packages of Spanish meats will be confiscated by US customs.