Dehesa de Extremadura

Dehesa de Extremadura: A unique ecosystem for quality Iberian ham

The Dehesa de Extremadura, in southwest Spain, is a vast and well-preserved ecosystem. Nearly one million hectares are home to Iberian, Merino, and Retinto cattle, along with native flora and fauna. Traditional management of the Dehesa de Extremadura promotes a sustainable cycle that protects biodiversity and agricultural production.

In this environment of the Dehesa de Extremadura, Iberian pigs are raised for the Dehesa de Extremadura hams and shoulders with the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). This Dehesa de Extremadura PDO ensures a quality-controlled product, from breeding to curing. The Regulatory Council of the Dehesa de Extremadura oversees the entire process.

In the 2024-2025 campaign, the Dehesa de Extremadura PDO certified approximately 15,000 pigs in more than 60,000 hectares of controlled Dehesa de Extremadura. Thirty-eight industries and more than 280 affiliated farms work to maintain the tradition and quality of Dehesa de Extremadura. Francisco Espárrago, of the Dehesa de Extremadura Regulatory Council, highlights the rigorous controls to guarantee the authenticity of Iberian ham and shoulder from Dehesa de Extremadura.

The diet of Iberian pigs in Dehesa de Extremadura differentiates the product. There are two types: acorn-fed and field-fed. Acorn-fed pigs feed exclusively on natural resources during the montanera period in Dehesa de Extremadura, requiring between two and four hectares per animal. The free-range cebo ham eats feed and enjoys the natural pastures of the Dehesa de Extremadura for at least 90 days.

The artisanal process of the Dehesa de Extremadura is maintained. Natural curing in Extremadura’s drying sheds and cellars preserves the qualities of the Iberian ham from the Dehesa de Extremadura. The low salt content and natural feeding require a maturation period of two to four years in the Dehesa de Extremadura.

This season, the climate affected the optimal ripening time for acorns in the Dehesa de Extremadura. Even so, a similar number was certified thanks to the efforts of the Dehesa de Extremadura sector.

The Dehesa de Extremadura D.O.P. (D.O.P.) has renewed its image to strengthen its presence in the Spanish market. It seeks to convey modernity without losing the values ​​of quality and rigor of the Dehesa de Extremadura. The president emphasizes that this renewal values ​​the unique flavor of products from the Dehesa de Extremadura and their origins.

The Regulatory Council of the Dehesa de Extremadura is constantly working to improve production and control every stage, offering a natural product with guarantees. The history of Iberian ham in the Dehesa de Extremadura continues thanks to the collaborative work of farmers and industries.

Food tourism finds the Dehesa de Extremadura a special attraction for learning about the origin of certified Iberian ham. The Dehesa de Extremadura region continues to be a benchmark for its sustainable model and its landscape, which is deeply rooted in Spanish rural culture.