100% Iberian Acorn Ham (P.D.O. Los Pedroches)

The PDO Los Pedroches Ham was officially recognized by the European Union in 2010, although its Regulatory Council has existed since 1998.
This designation is granted because the product meets unique conditions of origin, breed, feeding, and production that cannot be reproduced outside the area.

Geographical area:

The PDO protects hams produced exclusively in the Valle de Los Pedroches, in the north of the province of Córdoba, covering 32 municipalities. It is a region of holm oak and cork oak meadows, with a very particular ecosystem (the Mediterranean woodland), which provides the Iberian pig with a natural diet based on acorns, grass, and herbs.

Iberian breed

Only hams from pigs that are 100% Iberian or at least 75% Iberian, born, raised, and slaughtered within the protected area, can be produced under this PDO. The Regulatory Council oversees the entire process: the animal’s genealogy, breeding, and feeding.

Feeding:

During the “montanera” season (from October to February), the pigs feed freely on acorns and natural pastures.
This type of diet provides the unsaturated fatty acids that give the ham its smooth texture, sweet flavor, and characteristic aroma.
Only animals fattened on acorns may be labeled as “100% acorn-fed Iberian ham D.O.P. Los Pedroches.”


Production process:

The curing process takes place in natural cellars within the same area, taking advantage of its dry and cool mountain climate, which allows for slow maturation (a minimum of 24 to 36 months). No additives or preservatives are used —only sea salt and time.

Unique sensory characteristics
-Soft and persistent aroma, with notes of nuts and acorns.
-Delicate flavor, balanced between sweet and salty.
-Creamy texture, with shiny and fluid fat.
-Intense red color when sliced, with white marbling.