Protected Designation of Origin Ham

In the Jamón Ibérico, there are 4 Protected Designations of Origin:

The four PDOs of the Jamón Ibérico are:

  • Guijuelo ham
  • Jabugo ham
  • Dehesa de Extremadura ham
  • Los Pedroches ham

Frequently asked questions about Protected Designation of Origin Ham

What is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in Iberian ham?
A PDO is a European seal that protects products whose quality and characteristics are linked to a specific geographical area. In Iberian ham, a PDO guarantees that the piece has been produced in a designated region and following specific requirements regarding breed, feeding, curing, and quality controls. PDOs are the highest guarantee of origin and traceability. Each PDO ham carries a numbered seal from the Regulatory Council, in addition to the general seal of the Iberian standard.
What are the PDOs for Iberian ham in Spain?
There are four recognized PDOs for Iberian ham. PDO Jabugo (Huelva), established in 1998 as Jamón de Huelva and renamed in 2017. PDO Guijuelo (Salamanca), the oldest, from 1984. PDO Dehesa de Extremadura, established in 1990, which covers Extremadura hams. PDO Los Pedroches (Córdoba), recognized in 2010, which protects 100% Iberian acorn hams from the Los Pedroches valley. Each has its own regulatory council, technical regulations, and specific numbered seals.
Is a PDO ham better than a ham without PDO?
Not necessarily, but it does offer more guarantees. A PDO ham undergoes additional controls that ensure its origin and process, thereby reducing the risk of fraud or inferior quality products. However, there are excellent Iberian hams produced by small farmers who have chosen not to apply for a PDO, either for cost reasons, because they are outside the protected territory, or for preference. What is important is the provenance, the producer, and the official seal of the Iberian standard, which is mandatory.
What distinguishes the four PDOs from each other?
The main difference is geographical and climatic, which translates into distinct profiles. Jabugo and Los Pedroches (Andalusia) have milder climates and long curing processes, with unctuous and aromatic profiles. Guijuelo (Salamanca) has a cold, dry continental climate, with curing processes that yield sweet and mild hams. Dehesa de Extremadura has a dry continental climate and produces hams of great complexity. The PDOs of Jabugo and Los Pedroches exclusively cover the 100% Iberian acorn hams; Guijuelo and Dehesa de Extremadura also cover other categories.
How to identify an authentic PDO ham?
An authentic PDO ham always bears two visible seals. The first is that of the Iberian standard (black, red, green, or white depending on the category), mandatory for all Iberian hams. The second is the numbered seal of the corresponding PDO, featuring the logo of the Regulatory Council and a unique traceability code. Furthermore, the label must explicitly state "Protected Designation of Origin" followed by the name. At Ibericomio, we guarantee that all our PDO hams are authentic and come directly from certified producers.

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