OUR IBERICO
THE MAGNIFICENT IBERICO PIG, A UNIQUE BREED FROM SPAIN
THE MAGNIFICENT IBERICO PIG, A UNIQUE BREED FROM SPAIN
Ibérico pig is a direct descendant of the wild boars that used to inhabit the entire Mediterranean basin many years ago. They have a thin and stylized skeleton with a long straight snout and very strong legs. But, what truly makes this animal unique is its ability to develop fat infiltrations in their muscles, creating a perfect marbling effect on their meat.
OUR IBERICO
THE MAGNIFICENT IBERICO PIG, A UNIQUE BREED FROM SPAIN
THE MAGNIFICENT IBERICO PIG, A UNIQUE BREED FROM SPAIN
Ibérico pig is a direct descendant of the wild boars that used to inhabit the entire Mediterranean basin many years ago. They have a thin and stylized skeleton with a long straight snout and very strong legs. But, what truly makes this animal unique is its ability to develop fat infiltrations in their muscles, creating a perfect marbling effect on their meat.
THE DEHESA
THE DEHESA
One of Spain’s most surprisingly beautiful landscapes. A Dehesa is a unique ecosystem that can be seen on the Iberian Peninsula, mainly in the western part of the country, near the border with Portugal, where Fermín is located. It is said that two thousand years ago, the whole country was covered by these meadows, where holm oaks and cork oaks grow, and where the ground is cool and covered with a blanket of grass.
The term “Dehesa” comes from the Latin word “defesa”, which means “defence”, “defended” or “forbidden”, that was related to the field delimited to the free-range grazing of the livestock.
One of Spain’s most surprisingly beautiful landscapes. A Dehesa is a unique ecosystem that can be seen on the Iberian Peninsula, mainly in the western part of the country, near the border with Portugal, where Fermín is located. It is said that two thousand years ago, the whole country was covered by these meadows, where holm oaks and cork oaks grow, and where the ground is cool and covered with a blanket of grass.
The term “Dehesa” comes from the Latin word “defesa”, which means “defence”, “defended” or “forbidden”, that was related to the field delimited to the free-range grazing of the livestock.
They are a rich source of life and when, towards the end of March the Montanera comes to an end and the pigs stop feeding, they are replaced on the grazing pastures by reddish colored cows, for meat, milk and cheese production.
The Dehesa requires comprehensive care, allowing also to the iberico pigs to move around freely and comfortably between trees and shrubs. This type of habitat gives them peace of mind, preventing them from suffering any type of stress. This way the Iberico pig contributes to the conservation and adequate animal husbandry of the Dehesa.
BELLOTA
BELLOTA
Our 100% Iberico pigs will join their free-range happy life in our “Dehesas”. And only during the “Montanera” season (acorn season) and only during the last 3-4 months of their lives, they will eat as many as they want until they almost double their weight. During this period, each pig can eat between 6 and 10 kilos of acorns and between 3 and 4 kilos of natural pastures. But the exact amount of acorns will vary every year depending on Mother Nature, but it can last from 5-7 months.
This tiny magnificent “bellota” will add a pungent buttery flavor, delicate texture, intense color and aroma to our final product. The acorn will help to make each bite high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids and oleic acid.
Extensive grazing (freely) also allows the ibérico pig to stroll along this ecosystem seeking its feeding and developing its physical condition. The exercise they do -they can walk up to 15 km everyday- initially slows their fattening, but facilitates the infiltration of fat in a natural way, which provides an amazing juiciness and perfect texture.
