Melón con jamón

Melón con jamón (Melon with ham) is a typical specialty of Spanish cuisine, also found in France and Italy, and is usually served during the spring and summer months. The main ingredients are melon and slices of ham (preferably serrano ham). The delicacy of this dish lies in the combination of the sweet flavor of the melon with the salty contribution of the ham.^[1]

Its preparation involves few ingredients, but many people introduce different variations in its execution. In some cases, the melon flesh is scooped into balls; in others, it is cut into cubes and wrapped with slices of ham; or it may be diced and mixed as if it were a salad. More innovative recipes puree the melon and sprinkle fine shavings of ham on top. There are also variants in the form of skewers. In all cases, the melon is ripe (slightly sweet), seedless, and served cold (contrasting with the ham). It may be accompanied by a sweet wine or even by cava.^[2]

• In Cypriot cuisine, the meze include halloumi and lounza, an interesting combination of melon, ham, and a salty cheese.
• In German cuisine, although not exactly the same, the sweet-and-salty combination appears in the dish known as Birnen, Bohnen und Speck, typical of Lower Saxony cuisine.