Spanish ham

Spanish ham: Serrano and Iberian ham

Spanish ham is one of the great specialities of Spanish gastronomy. There are two main families of cured ham: Serrano ham, made from white pigs, and Iberian ham, produced from Iberian pigs.

At Tapas Shop, we select Spanish hams from specialist producers, with particular attention to their know-how, the quality of the raw materials and traditional curing methods. Our selection includes Serrano hams as well as different categories of Iberian ham, available whole, boneless or sliced.

Serrano ham or Iberian ham: what is the difference?

Serrano ham is made from white pigs. Its curing process gives it a firm texture and delicate aromas. It is a traditional Spanish ham, enjoyed both as an appetiser and in many recipes.

Iberian ham, on the other hand, comes from Iberian pigs. Its meat is particularly appreciated for its marbling, smooth texture and rich aromas. The breed, farming conditions, diet and curing time all influence the final characteristics of the ham.

Discover our selection of Serrano hams

The different categories of Iberian ham

Iberian hams are classified according to several criteria, including the proportion of Iberian breed and the pig's feeding and farming conditions.

Bellota Iberian ham

Bellota ham is one of the most renowned categories of Iberian ham. During the montanera season, the pigs have access to the natural resources of the dehesa, including acorns, grass and other natural resources. This period of farming and feeding contributes to the distinctive characteristics of the meat and its fat.

Our selection includes Bellota hams with different proportions of Iberian breed, including 100% Iberian references.

Discover our Bellota Iberian hams

Cebo de Campo Iberian ham

Cebo de Campo Iberian ham comes from Iberian pigs raised outdoors and under farming conditions different from those used for Bellota ham. This category offers an opportunity to discover the distinctive character and marbling of Iberian ham at a different price point.

Discover our Cebo de Campo Iberian hams

What do 50%, 75% and 100% Iberian mean?

The indication 50%, 75% or 100% Iberian refers to the proportion of Iberian breed of the pig from which the ham comes. A 100% Iberian ham comes from a pig whose two parents are of Iberian breed. The 75% and 50% categories correspond to recognised crossbreeding levels.

The breed percentage is independent of the feeding category: depending on the product, a ham can be 50%, 75% or 100% Iberian and belong to the Bellota or Cebo de Campo category.

What does “Pata Negra” mean?

Pata Negra is a very well-known expression in France for referring to high-end Iberian hams. It remains widely used by French consumers when searching for a premium Iberian ham.

In Spain, however, professionals and regulations use more precise designations, which indicate the proportion of Iberian breed and the feeding and farming category of the pig. These include Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico, Bellota 75% or 50% Ibérico, and Cebo de Campo Ibérico.

Rather than relying solely on the expression “Pata Negra”, it is therefore preferable to check the label and official category of the ham to understand its precise origin and characteristics.

Learn more about Iberian ham categories and designations

How to choose your Spanish ham

Choosing a Spanish ham depends above all on your taste, the occasion and the format you are looking for.

• To discover Spanish ham: Serrano ham is an excellent introduction.
• To discover Iberian ham: Cebo de Campo offers the distinctive character and marbling of Iberian ham.
• For a more refined tasting experience: Bellota Iberian ham offers a particularly smooth texture and rich aromas.
• For a traditional experience: a whole ham allows you to slice the piece progressively with a knife.
• For convenience: sliced ham is easy to serve and enjoy as an appetiser or with a meal.

Whole, boneless or sliced Spanish ham

The format of the ham is also an important consideration. A whole bone-in ham is ideal for enthusiasts of traditional slicing and allows you to enjoy the piece progressively. Boneless ham is easier to store and slice at home. Finally, sliced Spanish ham is a convenient solution for immediate enjoyment.

Discover our whole Spanish hams

Spanish hams selected from specialist producers

At Tapas Shop, our selection is also based on direct relationships with the producers who make the hams we offer. Founded in Seville in 2014 and based in Bordeaux since 2024, the shop has been built around discovering producers and showcasing the know-how of Spain's different regions.

We select hams from family businesses and specialist producers in the Sierra de Huelva, Guijuelo and other Spanish regions renowned for their charcuterie traditions.

This knowledge of the producers allows us to offer Serrano and Iberian hams with different characteristics, paying particular attention to their origin, farming conditions, curing and quality.