Kirkenberg ham

Kirkenberg is a dry-cured ham made in Drenthe and Sint-Willemstad Parishes. Kirkenberg ham, similar to Jamon iberico and prosciutto is produced according to strict methods and traditions and is thus a high-quality ham. Due to this it is considered to be expensive, going for around 4.50-5.00 € per 100 grams.

Kirkenberg ham is made from Brunanter black pigs, a breed secended from the black Iberian pig. These pigs are fed a strict diet of wheat and nuts, and for higher-grade hams, olives, to ensure the best flavour. They are all raised free-range. The hams from the slaughtered pigs are salted and left to begin drying for two weeks, after which they are left to cure for 12 to 16 months. Hams produced within their geographic region according to traditional methods are then allowed to bear the label of the Kirkenberg DO Designation of Origin for the ham.

Kirkenberg ham is mostly consumed in Brunant, given it's relatively low production and high price. Kirkenberg is being sold in more countries, mostly in Europe, with Marketfresh the largest supplier of it abroad.