Jamon Y Queso, La Molina, Peru, August 2011
Forget cebiche, tamales, aerepas, flautas or Argentinian steak - the national dish for all Latin America has to be the ham and cheese sandwich. On planes, on buses, and when everything else is closed, there always seems to be a place you can get one. They even served it in the dairy shop here in Huanuco right along side the fresh cheese, yogurt, flan and tapioca type pudding. (OK they also had Jello.)
For a Chinese dietary take on this combination, think damp. The pork itself is rather neutral and like most meat supports the Spleen in it´s mission to make Blood. It´s the processing that kicks up the dampness rating. Bread and cheese are both thought to generate fluids. (nothing special about the quotes here I just couldn't find the quotation marks on the keyboard I´m using at the hotel.) The sandwich is really not an issue if you´re living in a dry climate like the Andes in Peru, but might be a consideration everywhere else.
If you're trying to gain weight, the ham and cheese sandwich can help. People with sinusitis, cough or who easily gain weight may want to limit consumption, however. Those with hypertension, may want to watch the salt content. For everyone else, though, I guess you can´t argue with a classic. For the vegetarian you can hold the ham.
Dairy Cafe, Huanuco, Peru August 2011
