The origin and evolution of spanish serrano ham: a historical and scientific perspective

This study aimed to conduct a systematic and integrative review of the historical origin, technological evolution, and scientific foundations of the production process of Spanish Serrano ham. A qualitative approach was employed, based on the critical analysis of archaeological sources, primary historical texts, and peer-reviewed scientific literature, following the PRISMA 2020 statement guidelines as a reporting framework. Thirty-seven scientific studies and supplementary documents published between 1990 and 2023 were analyzed, obtained from the Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. The findings are structured around three main axes: (a) Historical trajectory, which demonstrates the transition from Neolithic and Roman empirical practices to a standardized and scientifically controlled technological process; (b) Biochemical and technological foundations, related to microbial inhibition, proteolysis, and lipolysis during maturation, as well as the identification of compounds with bioactive potential described in the scientific literature; and (c) Technological innovations and safety, including environmental monitoring systems, non-destructive testing techniques, and sodium reduction strategies to ensure product safety and traceability. Serrano ham represents an example of the integration of traditional knowledge and applied science. Its study allows us to understand the interaction between historical, technological, and nutritional factors associated with its production..