Is this new luxury Woolworths item worth the steep price?
- Replies 46
Many of us enjoy the finer things in life—whether it's a delicious morsel of cheese, a good bottle of chardonnay or a slice of top-quality ham. But when does the cost of luxury become too extravagant? A new, controversial addition to Woolworths' shelves has some shoppers wondering whether they could justify splurging so much on a food item.
Introducing Charcuteria NOEL's Round Platter Bellota Ham, an upscale and pricey product from Spain that some would argue is a delicacy. In contrast, others can't quite wrap their heads around the astonishing $45 price tag for a mere 85g packet. To put it into perspective, this works out at a jaw-dropping $529 per kilo.
The secret behind the high price lies in the origin of this Spanish-cured ham, otherwise known as jamón. Made exclusively from Iberian black-skinned pigs, these privileged pigs are fed a diet mostly consisting of acorns, which gives the meat its celebrated and unique flavour.
In defence of the luxurious ham, a Woolworths spokeswoman explained that Iberico ham is a rare and highly sought-after product hailing from Spain. It is only available for a limited time in 40 NSW and 40 Victorian Woolworths supermarkets, and it provides a unique dining experience that appeals to a niche market.
Enthusiasts of extraordinary cuisine may be enticed by the product's lavish packaging description, which states: 'This is the only way we can be confident of our hams, which we subsequently cure for 36 months. Patiently and without haste, just as we have been doing for the last 75 years, each ham has been perfectly cured to obtain its best flavour, aroma and texture. All this to achieve a ham that can be enjoyed with all five senses, capable of turning every occasion into a special moment. A perfect gift and an exceptional dining experience, ideal for sharing with those you love.'
However, not everyone is convinced. Social media users were left divided on the price of this luxury ham, with some stating they'd 'never' spend so much on a food item, while others maintain that the cost is justified given the quality and exclusivity of the product.
One appreciative fan wrote, 'It's Jamon Iberico ham... it’s considered the most expensive ham in the world. I've bought it before, not from Woolworths, though. It's well worth a taste [and is] not something you buy all the time.'
The subtle and complex flavours of Ibérico ham are best highlighted when paired with simple foods. Fresh accompaniments like creamy cheeses and juicy fruits can enhance the nuanced flavour of the ham.
The salty cured meat can even stand up to the sweet flavour of honey or a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar. Additionally, traditional Spanish recipes like paella that introduce bolder flavours can also create a beautiful balance with Ibérico ham.
Think outside of the box when pairing Ibérico ham with drinks! A dry white or sparkling wine pairs perfectly with cured meats, providing a crisp and refreshing contrast. Alternatively, red wines like Tempranillo or a full-bodied Rioja will create more depth and provide a smooth finish to the meat’s saltiness. Beers like IPAs or citrusy pale ales can also cut through the deepest flavours, showcasing the fantastic complexity of Ibérico ham.
The possibilities with pairing Ibérico ham are endless. Charluteria NOEL’s Round Platter Bellota Ham is rated on breed purity, its feed and ageing length of up to 5 years, making it a perfect product for pairing with other dishes and drinks.
So, members, what do you think? Would you break the bank to try a slice of jamón, the Kobe steak of the pork world? Or would you save your hard-earned dollars for more modestly-priced but equally delicious grocery items?
After all, we've learned to appreciate value, and perhaps the simpler things in life are just as precious and indulgent as this exclusive ham. But, of course, that's for you to decide!
Introducing Charcuteria NOEL's Round Platter Bellota Ham, an upscale and pricey product from Spain that some would argue is a delicacy. In contrast, others can't quite wrap their heads around the astonishing $45 price tag for a mere 85g packet. To put it into perspective, this works out at a jaw-dropping $529 per kilo.
Customers at Woolworths are divided due to the steep price of a new luxury food item. Source: Calum Robertson
The secret behind the high price lies in the origin of this Spanish-cured ham, otherwise known as jamón. Made exclusively from Iberian black-skinned pigs, these privileged pigs are fed a diet mostly consisting of acorns, which gives the meat its celebrated and unique flavour.
In defence of the luxurious ham, a Woolworths spokeswoman explained that Iberico ham is a rare and highly sought-after product hailing from Spain. It is only available for a limited time in 40 NSW and 40 Victorian Woolworths supermarkets, and it provides a unique dining experience that appeals to a niche market.
Enthusiasts of extraordinary cuisine may be enticed by the product's lavish packaging description, which states: 'This is the only way we can be confident of our hams, which we subsequently cure for 36 months. Patiently and without haste, just as we have been doing for the last 75 years, each ham has been perfectly cured to obtain its best flavour, aroma and texture. All this to achieve a ham that can be enjoyed with all five senses, capable of turning every occasion into a special moment. A perfect gift and an exceptional dining experience, ideal for sharing with those you love.'
However, not everyone is convinced. Social media users were left divided on the price of this luxury ham, with some stating they'd 'never' spend so much on a food item, while others maintain that the cost is justified given the quality and exclusivity of the product.
One appreciative fan wrote, 'It's Jamon Iberico ham... it’s considered the most expensive ham in the world. I've bought it before, not from Woolworths, though. It's well worth a taste [and is] not something you buy all the time.'
Pairing Ibérico Ham to Maximise Flavour
Ibérico ham has been considered a delicacy since medieval times, and its bold flavour means it can be easily integrated into various dishes to add a unique flavour. Here are some tips for pairing Ibérico ham to maximise its flavour potential.The subtle and complex flavours of Ibérico ham are best highlighted when paired with simple foods. Fresh accompaniments like creamy cheeses and juicy fruits can enhance the nuanced flavour of the ham.
The salty cured meat can even stand up to the sweet flavour of honey or a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar. Additionally, traditional Spanish recipes like paella that introduce bolder flavours can also create a beautiful balance with Ibérico ham.
Think outside of the box when pairing Ibérico ham with drinks! A dry white or sparkling wine pairs perfectly with cured meats, providing a crisp and refreshing contrast. Alternatively, red wines like Tempranillo or a full-bodied Rioja will create more depth and provide a smooth finish to the meat’s saltiness. Beers like IPAs or citrusy pale ales can also cut through the deepest flavours, showcasing the fantastic complexity of Ibérico ham.
The possibilities with pairing Ibérico ham are endless. Charluteria NOEL’s Round Platter Bellota Ham is rated on breed purity, its feed and ageing length of up to 5 years, making it a perfect product for pairing with other dishes and drinks.
So, members, what do you think? Would you break the bank to try a slice of jamón, the Kobe steak of the pork world? Or would you save your hard-earned dollars for more modestly-priced but equally delicious grocery items?
After all, we've learned to appreciate value, and perhaps the simpler things in life are just as precious and indulgent as this exclusive ham. But, of course, that's for you to decide!
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