The Iberian pig

A multitude of pig breeds exist, but the Iberian is the one native to the Iberian peninsula. The Iberian breed delivers meat products containing exceptional nutritional values. The fat of Iberian pigs is embedded in their musculature, producing a juicier meat.

The Iberian breed is perfectly adapted to the ecosystem in which it lives: the dehesa, or typical Spanish pastureland. With its long, straight snout and fine skeleton, it is a pig of more harmonious proportions than other breeds or varieties. Though traditionally they are known as pata negra (black trotter), this is not an ideal name since varieties of Iberian pig exist that are not black. And there are also non-Iberian varieties with a black or dark coat.

According to the diet they eat throughout their life and the way they are raised, different degrees of Iberian pig exist. Three distinct qualities exist depending on diet and farming method.

Iberian pigs pass through different feeding phases. When they reach the final one, in which the pig attains 15 arrobas (a traditional weight measure of about 11.5 Kg) , the type of feeding it is given will determine the quality of the final product. For example, Ibérico de Cebo means the animal is fed on fodder and Ibérico de Bellota means it is fed en montanera: out in the dehesa, or typical Spanish pastureland.

Acorn: Iberian pigs which have been fed, during the montanera season from October to March, on acorns that fall from the holly oaks and cork oaks out in the dehesa pastures, eating from six to ten kilos of acorns daily. Once the montanera season is over, if the animal has reached optimum weight, it will be classed as ibérico de bellota when it is slaughtered at a minimum of 14 months old.

Every animal is identified and undergoes strict veterinary supervision. Balanced feeding ensures they receive all the nutrients needed for each stage of growth.
The pigs on our farms are raised under the veterinarian team’s strict control, following each pig’s evolution until it reaches its optimum weight. After careful selection, they are prepared for delivery.

The fodder that makes up their diet contains a high percentage of cereals, soy as a protein supply and vitamin and mineral supplements that ensure the animals’ healthy growth.
It is prohibited to add medical treatments to the feed in the month prior to the animal’s slaughter.