1. What does "100% Iberian Acorn" mean?
It indicates that the hams and shoulders come from pure Iberian pigs, raised in freedom and fed exclusively with acorns and grasses during the montanera.
2. What exactly is montanera?
The last stage in the raising of the Iberian pig where it is fed with acorns and grasses, which contributes to the infiltration of fat into the muscle, adding unique nuances to its flavor and texture. The montanera period is from October to March of the following year.
3. What is the difference between a 100% Iberian acorn-fed shoulder and other quality Iberian shoulders?
The main difference lies in the purity of the pork, 100% Iberian acorn-fed shoulders come from pure Iberian pigs, while other varieties of Iberian shoulders come from crossed pigs, for example: 100% Iberian mother and Duroc breed father.
4. What is Dehesa and how does it influence Iberian ham?
La dehesa is a natural ecosystem of holm oaks, cork oaks and gall oaks where pigs are raised in freedom to fatten on acorns and pastures. A unique environment that then influences the flavor, aroma and texture of the precious Iberian shoulders and hams.
5. How long should a 100% Iberian acorn-fed shoulder be cured?
To obtain the "Brida Negra" the Iberian Quality Standard of R.D 4/2014 establishes that: the minimum age at slaughter will be 14 months and the minimum curing time for 100% Iberian acorn-fed shoulders will be 365 days regardless of his weight.