The jamon counter at Mercadona, Zafra

Graham and Barbara took me on their shopping trip to Zafra, their local market town, about ten miles from their village. On the outskirts we stopped at a nursery stocked with both flowering plants as well as lime, orange, banana and lemon trees in various stages of growth, some even fruiting already.

The we spent an hour having a fine coffee in a park area close to the centre before going for a stroll through the old parts of town. Finally it was time to head off to three supermarkets to stock up on wonderful fresh foods, as well as some specialities. 

They choose this supermarket called Mercadona because of its fantastic selection of high quality fish with a counter about twenty yards long stacked with both fresh and frozen fish. Dorado (sea bream) is next on our menu as well as plentiful huge langoustines. Yesterday we had some of the freshest and tastiest sea bass I've ever had.

Next to the fish counter was the 'jamon' section and Graham pointed this out to me.  Ham is one of the regions most important local foods, and these cured meats are of the highest quality. One of the offerings, on the top right of the display is 48.50 euros per kilo, when you buy a whole leg! Families will buy a whole leg and then cut wafer thin slices from it for their meals.

I asked this young woman if I could take some photos of her preparing small amounts of the jamon. Other than being quite surprised she intimated with a smile and a shrug (I don't speak Spanish) that she didn't mind. She then continued, concentrating very intently, as these knives must be very sharp. I noticed that on her left wrist and forearm there was a gauntlet of 'chainmail' to act as a protection in case a knife slipped.

We didn't buy any today, though we have had some thin jamon with melon this evening.