5J CINCO JOTAS INTRODUCES
THE 100% PURE BREED JAMÓN IBÉRICO DE BELLOTA (ACORN FED) TO THE US
Masterpiece of Artisan Excellence from the World’s Most Experienced Premier Ham Producer in Spain

New York – June, 2012- (Virtual Press Office) – A masterpiece is defined as “an outstanding, consummate example of skill or excellence submitted by a craftsman in order to qualify for the rank of master.” By all accounts, 5J 100% Pure Breed Ibérico de Bellota ham is a masterpiece. From the Osborne family, since 1772, one of the oldest and most distinguished companies in the world, comes a masterpiece that is both timeless and timely. It is as exquisite now as when production began in 1879 in Jabugo by artisans who have painstakingly handed down the know-how from generation to generation of unrivaled “maestros” of this art. 5J may not be the kind of masterpiece that one experiences hanging on a wall, but rather the centerpiece of memorable experiences for today’s active enthusiasts who celebrate “the art of living” as well as “L’art de la table,” the art of tasting, or the art of gift-giving.

As with works of art, all hams are not created equal. Jamón Ibérico clearly stands out. And even among Jamón Ibérico, there is one name that is recognized by chefs, ham lovers, and connoisseurs to be the leader-of-the-pack. Osborne USA introduces now the US market to its global brand – exclusive 5J (Cinco Jotas), the 100% Pure Breed Iberico de Bellota acorn-fed cured ham. Once people experience the difference, it becomes strikingly clear that 5J is a whole other animal entirely! This begs the question of just what makes 5J, the company’s jewel-in-the crown, so unique. Like the flavorful, silky smooth, melt-on-your tongue ham whose heady aromatic evokes toasted nuts, the answer is both deceptively simple, yet quite complex.
To begin with, unlike most Ibérico ham producers, Osborne’s mission to produce only the best quality requires the use of only 100% Pure Breed Iberico (pata negra) pigs. In fact, the company’s efforts towards preserving this once endangered breed began over a hundred years ago, remains as strong as ever allowing this masterpiece to be enjoyed in to the twenty first century.

Partly through natural harmony and partly through careful design by 5J, who are as committed to unparalleled quality as they are to animal welfare, these animals spend almost their entire lives freely roaming (on five glorious acres per animal) and eating a natural diet of acorns (bellota) from three varieties of acorn-producing Oak trees. The result is simply the world’s finest quality, sought-after ham – 5J 100% Pure Breed Ibérico de Bellota hams from Osborne brands.

“The Iberico Paradox” comes from the fact that apart from the light and nutty flavor, the 100% Pure Breed Ibérico Ham has been reported to have a surprising number of health benefits, such as high levels of Omega 3 (which some believe may improve the heart rate) and oleic acid (the same “healthy fat” found in olive oil). It’s been said that because of the acorns, Jamón Ibérico de Bellota contains more antioxidants than other hams, apart from protein, phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, and folic acid.

5J is found in the very best places throughout the world. Paris, the Savoy in London to Tertulia in New York (among other prestigious customers in the US like Dean & Deluca, Graces and The Four Seasons), 5J graces the top tables, hottest hotels, chicest shops, and most elegant and luxurious parties. Now the most extraordinary Jamón Ibérico de Bellota experience will be enjoyed by discerning customers this side of the ocean as 5J introduces a limited number of Paletas (front leg ham) and Jamones (back ham) for the first time in the U.S.

5J 100% Pure Breed Ibérico de Bellota ham offers the perfect platform for easy, exquisite, and elegant entertaining experiences. If “perfection is perfectly simple”, as Doug Horton states, then 5J truly achieves simple perfection through a thin slice, which when melted on the tongue (not unlike caviar), is pure luxurious bliss.

As with all art – whether, Patek Philippe, Bugatti, or a Botticelli – masterpieces do not come easily, are made with passion, and inspire passionate joy. They cannot be simply imitated, and are instantly recognizable. As Spanish master Salvador Dali was reported to say, “beauty should be edible, or not at all.” 5J is a modern masterpiece steeped in tradition with maximum expression of quality and purity.

5J 100% Iberico de Bellota, a unique gourmet delicacy, available now in the US in limited quantities.

Media Contact: Philip Ruskin, Ruskin International Communications
Philip@ruskininternational.com, (212) 749-5511