Producers of Iberian Ham

Producers of Iberian Ham with Protected Designation of Origin: Guardians of Tradition

In Spain, producers of Iberian ham with Protected Designation of Origin are at the heart of an ancient tradition. They are not generic companies, but primarily family businesses and local cooperatives rooted in their territories. In Extremadura (Dehesa de Extremadura), we find producers who manage vast pastures, ensuring free-range farming and feeding on acorns, being true custodians of the ecosystem.

In Guijuelo (Salamanca), producers benefit from a unique microclimate for curing. Here, knowledge is passed down from generation to generation, perfecting drying and maturing techniques to achieve hams with the characteristic tenderness of the area.

The ham makers of Jabugo (Huelva) operate in a privileged environment, taking advantage of the Sierra mountains for a natural curing process that defines the intense and complex flavor of their hams. Finally, in Los Pedroches (Córdoba), the producers are essential to maintaining Europe’s largest pastureland, ensuring their pigs grow up in an optimal environment and their ham reflects the richness of the valley.

They all share an unwavering commitment to quality, breed purity, and respect for traditional methods and methods, regardless of the scale of their production. They are, in essence, guardians of the heritage of Iberian ham.