Iberic Ham
Spanish tradition
Origin
The ancient oak pastures of Spain, the noble black Ibérico pig, the mountain air which caresses each ham as it magically is transformed into one of the world’s most exquisite foods – all play a part in this uniquely Spanish phenomenon.
The origin of the Iberico pig goes back millennia, even to the time of the cavemen who decorated the caves of Spain with their art and the ham of acorn fed Iberico pigs, Jamón Ibérico de Bellota is considered the world’s finest ham.
Ibérico de Bellota hams are cured 24 to 48 months, losing nearly half of their weight as the fat melts away. When the hams are finished curing, they have an incredibly complex taste, distinct marbling, a deep red color and an intense ham flavor bathed in mono-unsaturated fat.
With more than 70 years of experience, we are guarding the traditional secrets of three generations of Master Butchers who has shared their sole obsession with us: to produce a exclusive and unique cured ham. Our Iberico pigs are raised in total freedom and they therefore provide the high benefits for the health of the consumer concerning zinc, iron, vitamin B12 and unsaturated fats (oleic acid).
The Finest Ham in the World
Charateristics
Iberico pigs are black, with very little hair. They have black hooves as well, which is the source of the phrase “pata negra” which describes the black hoof that remains on the ham throughout the curing process and distinguishes it from a Serrano ham. They are also much fatter animals with veins of fat running through the muscle of the pig. This, along with the large amount of fat layering each ham, allows the Iberico hams to be cured much longer, resulting in a much more complex, intense flavor, with a note of sweetness that is unparalleled.
For the ultimate ham, you must add ‘bellota’, or acorns. As an indication of the difference, Jamon Iberico de Bellota can cost twice as much as a normal Iberico ham. So note well the difference between the two main types of Iberico ham: there is Jamon Iberico, and then there is Jamon Iberico de Bellota, or acorn fed.
It is elaborated in a completely artisanal way; with its intense and delicate taste, it contains more than 56% oleic acid in its interlaid fat which gives it all its smoothness and lightness. It takes more than 36 months to reach maturity, which explains the exclusivity of Bellota Iberian ham, a true jewel of Spanish gastronomy.
Limited and Premium editions
Sales
Our range of Iberico ham products can be purchased only from trusted distributors or by direct agreement with de Darkó & Schauby.
We make sure that the passion for Iberico ham and Iberico related products is shared such that the tradition of making high quality and premium ham lives on for many years to come.
Please note that our Jamon Iberico Bellota products are limited editions only.
For more information on our full product range, we welcome you to contact us for further information.
