Boneless 75% Iberian Acorn-Fed Ham Block – Guijuelo PDO – Marcial Castro

In Guijuelo's natural curing rooms, the hams mature slowly with the changing seasons.

The Boneless 75% Iberian Acorn-Fed Ham Block – Guijuelo PDO – Marcial Castro offers the character of a fine Iberian ham in a practical format that is easy to store and slice at home. It combines the traditional montanera diet with the expertise of Marcial Castro, a family business based for more than a century in Guijuelo, in the province of Salamanca.

To create this format, the whole ham is deboned and divided into five blocks, which are then vacuum-packed. Each block weighs between 800 g and 1.2 kg, depending on the cut. This allows you to enjoy traditionally cured ham without having to handle a whole bone-in leg.

Acorn-fed ham in 5 vacuum-packed pieces: maza, babilla, punta, contramaza.

75% Iberian acorn-fed ham

The term 75% Iberian refers to the genetic composition of the pig from which the ham comes. In this category, the animal comes from a purebred Iberian female and a male resulting from an Iberian and Duroc cross, in accordance with the applicable pedigree rules.

The term acorn-fed refers to the animals' diet during the montanera season. During this period, they feed on acorns, grass and other natural resources of the dehesa, without supplementary feed. The pigs roam in this traditional environment before the hams are taken to Guijuelo for their long curing process.

This combination of a natural diet, the animals' activity and extended curing contributes to the distinctive character of acorn-fed ham: marbled meat, a tender texture and delicate aromas.

Would you prefer to enjoy this ham without slicing it yourself? Discover our sliced version in 100 g packs as well.

Iberian acorn-fed ham is best enjoyed in thin slices, allowing its texture and aromas to shine.

The Guijuelo PDO guarantee

The Protected Designation of Origin Guijuelo sets requirements governing the origin, production methods and characteristics of the hams and shoulders covered by the designation.

75% Iberian acorn-fed ham belongs to Class II of the Guijuelo PDO, which includes acorn-fed hams from pigs with a 50% or 75% Iberian breed composition. The PDO specifications include a minimum production period of 1,000 days and a minimum finished weight of more than 7 kg for the ham before deboning and cutting into blocks.

Certified products in this category are identified by the numbered red PDO seal, together with the required traceability and labelling information.

Guijuelo, in the heart of Salamanca province

The character of this ham is closely linked to the place where it is cured. Guijuelo, in the province of Salamanca, is one of the historic centres of Iberian ham production. The family-run Marcial Castro business has maintained its ham-making tradition there for more than a century, with the fifth generation now continuing the work.

At an altitude of around 1,000 metres, Guijuelo experiences distinct seasons. Its natural conditions support the gradual drying and curing of the hams. Over time, the fat develops and integrates into the muscle, contributing to the ham's tender texture and characteristic aromas.

Marcial Castro places great importance on natural curing in its curing rooms. The air in Guijuelo and the passage of time play an essential role in the transformation of each ham, although this expertise cannot be attributed to a single climatic factor.

A boneless ham block ready to slice

Each block is vacuum-packed to protect the ham before opening. This format allows you to slice the ham at home whenever you wish, choosing the thickness of the slices to suit your preferences.

You can cut only the amount you need and keep the remainder for future tastings, following the producer's storage recommendations. It is a convenient way to enjoy 75% Iberian acorn-fed ham over several occasions without preparing large quantities of slices in advance.

Convenient storage

The block is vacuum-packed and has a shelf life of at least one year, according to the information provided for this product. Always follow the exact date printed on the packaging.

Once opened, carefully protect the cut surface and follow the producer's storage instructions. This will help you enjoy the block over several servings while respecting the recommended storage conditions.

How to enjoy this Iberian ham

To appreciate its aromas fully, slice the ham thinly with a well-sharpened knife. Prepare only the amount you wish to serve and allow the slices to reach room temperature before tasting, so you can fully appreciate their texture and aromas.

This ham is delicious served simply with bread and also pairs well with other Iberian specialities. For serving ideas, read our article on Spanish charcuterie platters.

If you prefer a traditional bone-in ham to carve yourself, discover the whole 100% Iberian acorn-fed ham from Marcial Castro.

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