Buying jamón ibérico Dehesa de Extremadura is choosing the most awarded and desired ham in the universe of Iberian hams.
Designation of Origin of Extremadura ham
The Dehesa de Extremadura Protected Designation of Origin is recognized in the jamón ibérico sector for its enormous demand on farmers or producers of ham and paleta ibérica of Extremadura.
The PDO Jamón Ibérico Dehesa de Extremadura establishes controls in the field, in the slaughter process, processing and controls on the final product.
In the field, when farmers request it, the technical inspectors of the Dehesa de Extremadura PDO check the records and other legal requirements required by the ibérico standard. They also examine the weight, age and genealogical profile of each pig. They analyse the hectares of montanera available for each animal and confirm that they are in accordance with the requirements of the PDO Jamón de Extremadura and the quality standard of the jamón ibérico. Finally, they mark the suitable animals with a numbered metal ear tag.
Once this first inspection has been carried out, new visits to the farm will be made on as many occasions as the technicians consider appropriate. Any ibérico pig that does not meet the conditions of the Dehesa de Extremadura Designation of Origin may be declassified at any time.
When the animal arrives at the slaughterhouse for slaughter, its origin and number of ear tags are confirmed. At that time, a numbered plastic flange is added to each jamón ibérico or paleta ibérica that allows the traceability that has already begun in the field to be maintained. Subsequently, periodic controls are carried out in the different phases of curing: profiling, salting, drying and aging in the winery. Always checking that a traditional and artisanal process is followed.
When the paleta ibérica or jamón ibérico has already completed its curing process, the technicians go to the producer's facilities where all the pieces are "set" one by one. Only those Iberian hams whose aroma is perfect and in accordance with the requirements of the DO Dehesa de Extremadura will get the back label that, together with the seal placed at the beginning of the process, will guarantee the origin of this exclusive jamón ibérico.
The Dehesa de Extremadura Designation of Origin only classifies Iberian pigs with a breed purity of 100% or at least 75%. In the field of food, the D.O. Dehesa de Extremadura includes:
Animals raised in freedom in the pastures fed exclusively with the acorns and fruits of the dehesa in the fattening phase of the montanera and Iberian pigs raised in an extensive regime in the Dehesas Extremeñas that have supplemented their feeding with selected feeds.
Types of jamón ibérico in the Dehesa de Extremadura
The combination of racial purity and food gives rise to 3 guarantee labels from the D.O.P. Dehesa de Extremadura jamón ibérico:
Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico Dehesa de Extremadura with black label and black seal. It is the only and authentic pata negra ham in Extremadura. In this same category and with the same seal and label color, the 100% bellota paleta will enter ibérica Dehesa de Extremadura.
Jamón de Bellota 75% Ibérico DO Dehesa de Extremadura and the paleta of bellota 75% Ibérica PDO Dehesa Extremadura which will be identified with the seal and Red label.
Ham and paleta from cebo field 75% or 100% ibérico which will be labelled and sealed with a green flange.
It is important to note that the auditors of the Regulatory Council of the PDO Dehesa de Extremadura place one by one both seals on the slaughterhouse and labels on the dryer. So the management and control of seals and labels are always and exclusively in the hands of the regulatory board.
Brands of Iberian hams from Extremadura
In Ibericomio.es the producers with establishments in Extremadura are Jamones Sierra de Monfragüe, Tatredral, Jamones Ibéricos Sierra de Monesterio, Jamones Ibéricos El Serrano, Jamones Señorío de Montanera, Sierra de Barbellido, Jamones Y Embutidos Morato, Japasur, Suribérico, Embutidos y Salazones Vaquero y León, ........although not all of them offer Jamón Ibérico D.O.P. Dehesa de Extremadura.
In our online store we have a wide variety of the best hams in Extremadura
Frequently asked questions about Extremadura Ham
Extremadura ham comes from Iberian pigs raised, slaughtered, and cured in the autonomous community of Extremadura, mainly in the dehesas of Cáceres and Badajoz. The region has the largest dehesa area in Spain and is therefore the largest producer of acorn-fed Iberian ham in the country. A significant portion of Extremadura hams are protected by the PDO Dehesa de Extremadura, while others are marketed under the producer's own brand or without PDO.
What makes ham from the Extremadura dehesa special?
The Extremadura dehesa is a unique ecosystem: a Mediterranean forest of holm oaks, cork oaks, and pastures where Iberian pigs live freely and feed on acorns during the montanera. This combination of native breed, physical exercise, acorn feeding, and dry continental climate results in ham with very marbled fat, intense color, deep aroma, and a long, complex taste. It is one of the great global references for acorn-fed Iberian ham.
Are all hams from Extremadura PDO Dehesa de Extremadura?
No. To carry the PDO Dehesa de Extremadura, the ham must meet strict requirements: 100% Iberian pig, born and raised in the region, slaughtered in Extremadura slaughterhouses, and cured in the community itself, among others. Many Extremadura hams meet all these requirements, but the producer chooses not to apply for the PDO. This does not mean they are of lower quality: there are excellent Extremadura hams without PDO. The difference is that PDOs carry an additional certified guarantee.
Which areas of Extremadura produce Iberian ham?
The main areas are the Sierra de Montánchez (Cáceres), the Sierra de San Pedro region, the dehesas in southern Badajoz (Llerena, Jerez de los Caballeros, Fregenal de la Sierra), and the La Serena area. Each has its own nuances derived from its microclimate and altitude. The average altitude (400-700 meters) and the continental climate with cold, dry winters are ideal for slow, high-quality natural curing. It is the Spanish region with the largest dehesa area with holm oaks.
How to choose a good ham from Extremadura?
Look for three elements. First, the official seal of the Iberian standard (black for 100% Iberian acorn-fed, red for Iberian acorn-fed, green for Cebo Campo, white for Cebo). Second, if it is protected by the PDO Dehesa de Extremadura, it will carry an additional seal of the PDO. Third, the producer: at Ibericomio, we work with trusted Extremadura producers with a long history, which is the best guarantee of quality. For celebrations, go for acorn-fed ham; for regular consumption, Cebo Campo is an excellent option.
