Iberico De Bellota

The Iberian pig is a very old animal that pre-existed animal domestication. Their origin can be traced back to the Neolithic Period around 12,000 years ago.

You will find Iberian pigs living in the mountains, usually in a wild environment, or in the forest close to its favorite diet of acorns, oak, and nuts.  Iberian pigs have a red to grey skin color and have very little or no hair.

What is different about Iberico meat? 

Iberico meat is distinctly different than regular pig meat. When you see it raw, it almost looks like beef. The meat is red to bright red compared to regular pig meat which is white.  The game changer for the Iberico De Bellota is the fat.

What do Iberico pigs eat?

Acorns make most of their diet and genetics, Iberian pigs are able to infiltrate a lot of fat into their muscles, resulting in a more flavorful pork. On top of being high in fat, a large amount of it is unsaturated oleic fat, the same fat found in olive oil, that is said to reduce cholesterol, and is an important part of the Mediterranean diet.  

When you eat Iberico pork, the marbling of fat in it makes it super tasty and delicious. The meat is more flavorful, more juicy, and very distinctive.

To make the pork taste so special, the Iberico pigs need different things. First of all, the pigs need to live in open areas in a very natural environment, and be free to run over hills and through woods, always close to the dehesas. By doing this, their muscles will develop and grow, and be able to infiltrate the fat from the acorns.

 

During the spring and summer months the pigs will eat grass, mushrooms, bugs, and herbs.. Then, from October to March, it is acorn season.

Acorn is the favorite food of the Iberico pig, and it will eat a lot of them. This will increase their fat and infiltrate the taste of the acorns into their muscle.

It is from a unique breed of pig that can be only found in the Iberian peninsula. On top of that, the diet is special and the farmers who breed them have certifications that guarantee the pork quality and authenticity. 

 

Furthermore, Iberico pigs have smaller litters and yield less meat. It takes time for them to grow. Also, the production of the pork takes longer.

Iberico pork is like any other kind of pork. You can find all the classic pork cuts:

• Pork Belly
• Iberico Pork Bacon
• Iberico Pork Presa Shoulder Loin
• Shoulder Steaks
• Iberico Pork Ribs
• Tenderloin

What Is Pata Negra?

"Pata Negra" literally means "black foot" but when you're referring to the best pig money can buy, Pata Negra Ham refers to the color of the Iberian pig's trotter.

Meat Your Cheese offers to choices:

• Jamon Pata Negra
• Paleta Iberico De Bellota

Fry it, roast it, grill it, broil it or bake it, just like regular pork. The difference is the succulent, rich taste of the finished product!

 

Pork appetit!