Monte Nevado Ham: Award for the Best Iberian Acorn-Fed Ham in Spain

Monte Nevado Hams

Monte Nevado Iberian Hams are the result of more than 125 years of tradition, excellence, and a deep commitment to quality, animal welfare, and the sustainability of the dehesa. This dedication is reflected in their continuous and prestigious awards.

The excellence of Monte Nevado hams is based on several key pillars:

1. The Iberian Pig and the Montanera (Free-Raising)

• Origin and Aging: Elite hams, such as the 100% Iberian Bellota Ham, come from Iberian pigs raised in complete freedom in the dehesa.
• Natural Feeding: The fundamental stage is the Montanera (Free-Raising) (from October to March), where the pigs are fed exclusively on natural resources. The diet focuses on:
  • Acorns: They provide the high content of oleic acid that infiltrates the fat. This is what gives the ham its juicy texture, intense aroma, and sweet, lingering flavor.
  • Grass: It is essential because it is rich in antioxidants, protecting the fat from oxidation and ensuring a balanced diet for the animal.
• Well-being and Sustainability: Monte Nevado ensures that the pigs have extensive land for optimal fattening. Respect for natural cycles and care for the dehesa ecosystem are fundamental values ​​that directly impact the quality of the final product.

2. Artisanal and Natural Production

The process combines ancestral knowledge with ongoing research.

• Slow Curing: The pieces are cured slowly in the natural cellars of Monte Nevado, located in Segovia. The specific microclimate and the patience of time refine the organoleptic qualities (aroma, texture, flavor) that characterize authentic Iberian ham.
• Natural Ham: The company has developed a project so that a large part of its production, including Serrano Ham, is 100% natural and additive-free, an achievement that underscores its pursuit of product authenticity and purity.

The result is a ham with unmistakable marbling, a smooth texture, and a deep flavor that encapsulates the purity of the diet and the dedication to its curing.

Awards and Recognition

Monte Nevado is one of the most award-winning companies in the history of the Spanish ham sector, certifying its leadership and excellence.

Food of Spain Awards

The company has received multiple awards at the Food of Spain Awards for Best Hams, granted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA) and considered the most rigorous in the country.

• Historic Double Award (e.g., 2025): Monte Nevado has achieved the feat of obtaining double recognition:
  • Award for the Best Iberian Acorn-Fed Ham in Spain.
  • Award for the Best Serrano Ham or other Recognized Quality Figures.
• Constant Recognition: The company has also been awarded Best Iberian Acorn-Fed Ham in 2018 and Best Serrano Ham in 2022, among others.

These awards not only honor the tradition of more than a century, but also validate the high quality of its raw materials, the rigorous traceability control, and the impeccable flavor of its products, consolidating Monte Nevado as a undisputed benchmark of Spanish haute cuisine.