100% Iberian acorn-fed Montesano Ham

100% Iberian acorn-fed ham, a 3-star ham for the “Superior Taste Award” 100% Iberian acorn-fed ham, raised and cured in the Extremadura pastures, known as the cradle of Iberian ham for more than 4 years. In 2023, it received the highest recognition awarded by the International Taste Institute of Brussels, the “Superior Taste Award”. This award qualifies Montesano's 100% Iberian Bellota Ham as an Exceptional product. This prestigious award was also achieved in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Ham from animals raised in the wild in the pastures of Extremadura with 100% genetic purity of the Iberian breed. Fed on acorns and grasses.

The Montesano 100% Iberian acorn-fed ham comes from animals raised in freedom, in the Extremadura pastures, a sustainable ecosystem unique in Europe. More than one million hectares of grasslands and forests. Holm oaks, cork oaks, oaks, and other plant species populate the landscape. Morning mists refresh the fields of this region, establishing a microclimate conducive to the development of fresh and aromatic herbs, coexisting with the master of these pastures, the Iberian pig. And it is in Jerez de los Caballeros, Badajoz, where Montesano Extremadura is located. and where, with the help of ham masters and artisans, the 100% Iberian Bellota Ham from Montesano and the rest of the products derived from the Iberian pig are made. Montesano, in its desire for excellence, controls the entire production cycle, starting with the raw material, the Iberian pigs. A genetic stem from 100% Iberian breed animals, Retintos and Entrepelados that, since their birth on the Montesano farms, are cared for with care and attention, as they constitute the basis of the careful production line. Montesano pigs are animals that live in freedom. Sun, air, water and large spaces are its natural habitat. The diet based on fresh grass and aromatic plants, large quantities of acorns, the continuous bathing in ponds and streams, make them “camped” animals, stylized and well-formed. Then in the montaneras where they can eat 12 to 15 kilos of acorns a day, they will complete a process of 18 to 24 months that will determine the organoleptic characteristics and the success of the final result. A tasty meat, rich in fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants. After the montanera, the salting and post-salting of the 100% Iberian Bellota hams and shoulders begins. Then, 2 to 3 years in natural dryers. A job of opening and closing windows to the mountain air, pure tradition, will give character to that flavor and smell that only the authentic Iberian ham and shoulder from Montesano, raised with acorns from the pasture of Extremadura, has. And not everything is pleasure but also health because we are dealing with very healthy and cardio-healthy foods. High levels of fatty acids help correct and control cholesterol, providing a high content of vitamin E, enhancing powerful antioxidants in the fight against aging. And finally, two more years to the natural wineries, where the weather conditions and the absence of light together with the tastings of the master ham maker will decide if they are ready for commercialization in pieces, boned or will be cut with a knife by our team of Master Cutters and the pleasure of consumption. Montesano's 100% Iberian Bellota Ham is an incomparable gastronomic jewel that dissolves on the palate, leaving an indelible memory and gratitude to artisans, pigs and pastures, and to the tradition, culture and history of this wonderful land called Extremadura. Montesano, cult of the Iberian!