The ham mite or piojillo is a white bug, they are small invaders that usually appear in the maturation stage. We tell you all about them!
Índice
- What is a mite or piojillo of the ham?
- When does the ham mite appear?
- How to remove the ham mite?
- How not to eliminate the ham mite?
- Difference between ham mites and tyrosine crystals?
- How to prevent ham mites at home?
- Where to buy cured ham?
Cured ham is a delicacy of Spanish origin. Loaded with protein, ham is a food for the muscles and the brain. It contains calcium and fatty acids that are very beneficial for the human body.
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The ham mite or piojillo is a white bug. They are small invaders that usually appear in the maturation stage. We tell you all about them!
What is a mite or piojillo of the ham?
It is a parasite. It is an invertebrate animal of the group of arthropods. His body is made up of his head, abdomen, thorax and his legs are movable joints. They have no skeletal system. However, its exoskeleton is very powerful because it has a carbonate called chitin.
The structure of ham mites is complex because they have an exoskeleton. That is, an external skeleton or armor. This property of arthropods is of interest because during their growth they change their skeleton. Its growth is carried out with each change of skeleton. This process is called ecdysis or molting. Thus it abandons its skeletons as waste at each stage of its growth. They are microscopic in size. It belongs to the species of Thyrophagus putrescentiae.
Its excretion is by accumulation. Waste or guanines accumulate in their exoskeleton. They are nitrogenous bases that form very solid deposits. When carrying out the molt or ecdysis, the excrements are discarded.
They reproduce by eggs. The mites or piojillo of the ham have a length of 0.1mm.
Ham mites have sensilia all over their bodies and are receptors for chemical stimuli for smell and taste. They are normally found on their antennae and palps. It is appropriate to say that they should enjoy the experience of living and developing in a ham due to its intense and pleasant smell and taste.
They can be found in cured foods such as ham, cheese and sausages.
Its color is white and it is very noticeable on the surface of the cured ham or inside. Its presence can also be recognized by the appearance of a very fine white powder with a sandy appearance in the cured ham. This dust is made up of live or dead mites and the residues produced by their waste (exoskeletons and droppings).
Ham mites like humidity and high temperatures.
Ham mites are parasites that live in foods rich in protein. They have demanding tastes, they really like cured ham, especially Iberian ham.
When does the ham mite appear?
while the healing process is taking place. When the temperature and humidity in the dryers are not correct. At that moment the ham mites appear. When the ham goes through the maturation process, the mold that appears is perfect for the life of the mite. A scrupulous monitoring of temperature and humidity will prevent its presence.
The health control measures that regulate the curing processes are very strict and have the power to prevent the appearance of the ham mite.
Also, it should be mentioned that the problem of the appearance of the ham mite can originate at home. They can appear due to poor storage.
How to remove the ham mite?
In the case of a new, uncut cured ham, it is spread with hot liquid butter. For that, a clean brush or cloth soaked in oil is taken. Once it solidifies it suffocates and kills the mites. Hot sunflower oil can also be used, its neutral flavor does not affect the flavor of the ham and it is more fluid.
If it is already cut and the infection is not very intense. You must clean the affected area very well, rubbing with fat or hot bacon. Once solidified, death occurs by suffocation of the mites.
If the infection is very strong, it is necessary to remove the area and apply the procedure described above. Grease the area saved in the cut with bacon or hot oil. Wait for it to solidify and save.
How not to eliminate the ham mite?
Never use chemicals! It is very delicate to use chemical products without knowing the content of the product and its residual effect. The product will remain in the ham that will be consumed later. Do not use any chemicals.
In some cases, people believe that washing the ham with warm water can clean it. Then apply oils to solidify a layer on the ham and kill the mites. This action is not recommended because it creates humidity in the ham and a possible habitat for new mites.
It is a counterproductive action because it generates the threat of increased humidity in the cured ham.
Difference between ham mites and tyrosine crystals?
Tyrosine crystals are white, stringy dots and do not move. They are formed because proteins are made up of amino acids. Tyrosine is an amino acid, it is edible. In the process of maturation of the ham, the proteins that contain it break down and release amino acids. Among them the tyrosine that precipitates and forms those white crystals that we see in the ham. They identify cured ham as an artisanal product.
Its appearance is of white spots like freckles or grains of rice. Its texture is similar to plaster and it scratches a little.
Ham mites are small white dots and they move. Mites are parasites are accompanied by dusty debris. It is easy to recognize the powder.
It must be said that the mite or piojillo of the ham moves and has dust, tyrosine does not.
We have a post on tyrosine crystals on our blog, you can check it out at https://www.yourspanishshop.es/es/blog
How to prevent ham mites at home?
Keep the cured ham in a cool and clean place.
If you have it in a ham holder, it is necessary to clean it after each use. Also clean the knife very well and everything that is used for cutting it.
Where to buy cured ham?
The quality of cured ham is always sought after by buyers. If you buy your cured hams in specialized stores you will have no problems. In Your Spanish Shop you will find the best cured hams with the security of their quality.
We have the most demanding quality controls. Our products have a long expiration period. We always have the best suppliers with the best products. ! Visit our online store! We are waiting for you!