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For 10 years we have traveled around the south of Spain, trying to sample the best that this firmly agricultural region has to offer. Olive oil, cheese, numerous fruits and vegetables, white and red wine are all part of its gastronomic heritage, appreciated by the Andalusians and even recognised beyond the peninsula.
As for the cured meats, they deserve a special mention: used in a huge variety of culinary specialties, adored in every province and town, they are consumed across Spain. Salamanca, Extremadura, Trevélez, Teruel, Córdoba... are some of the main names of cured ham that we have had the pleasure of tasting. However, the proximity of Seville to Jabugo (1h30 by road) allowed TAPAS shop to really discover the know-how, a brand, and an entire ecosystem whose center is simply Iberian pork.
We work with farmers and pork butchers who put quality first. In a program broadcast by TVE on 19 April 2015, two of our producers were featured.
Producers rigorously selected
What do we call iberian ham and iberian cured meats?
Spanish cured meats are recognized and appreciated in many countries. Among Serrano ham, the bellota, the cebo, and many other designations, the consumer can easily get lost and in a wide range of prices and qualities.
How to navigate among all labels and denominations?
- Iberian acorn ham & Cured meats selected by Tapas Shop
- Serrano, iberico, Pata Negra, Bellota... some definitions
- Raising Iberian pigs - The pig in the "Dehesa" (meadow)
- Frequently Asked Questions about spanish cured ham and meats
- Question about extra virgin olive oil
Cured meats begin their way in the sierra (mountains), The good charcuterie starts its course in the Sierra (mountain), and in Spain the relief is quite present, either in the north with the Picos de Europa, Cantabrian Mountains and Pais Vasco country, or in the south in Andalusia (3,500m for the Sierra de Granada). Large natural areas are preserved and still allow extensive livestock breeding. The Iberian pig is one of the main protagonists of those spaces. Although it represents a minority of Spanish cured meats (about 10%), it is internationally recognized and remains a reference in the culinary world, synonymous of good taste, tradition and quality.
Numerous designations mark the territory include that of Guijelo (where comes the Joselito) near Salamanca, that of Trevelez (south of Sierra Nevada), Extramadura, Sierra Morena... and of course the one from Huelva, where delicatessen products are sold on this shop.
This ham, known as "Pata Negra" is derived from pigs with the best pedigrees, is the most popular Sevillian gift for the Christmas period. This is an Iberian pork that feeds on acorns during the fattening period. The curing process depends on the weight and heat of the summer, that makes the hams sweat.
Did you know?
Although the Montanera (the period when Iberian pigs eat acorns) officially begins on 1 October, there is an old Spanish saying: "Desde San Miguel montanera es" (The Montenera begins on St Michael's Day).
When the Montanera arrives, the sessile oak (Quercus faginea) is the first tree to bear fruit on the ground. Next comes the holm oak (Quercus ilex), which bears the sweetest and tastiest fruit. Lastly, the cork oak (Quercus suber) or ‘chaparro’, whose fruit is more bitter, but also more resistant and long-lasting. The carrasca, a variant of the holm oak, which belongs to the undergrowth, also provides a small acorn that pigs generally do not eat, except when they are very hungry.
Acorns are rich in potassium, phosphorus and calcium. It contains water, carbohydrates and fibre.
The last feeding period for 1.5% of Iberian pigs slaughtered in Spain is the montanera. Normally, pigs enter this feeding period at 9 arrobas in weight and between 18 and 22 months of age, before going straight to the slaughterhouse with an average of 15 arrobas (from a pig of 15 arrobas, you get two hams weighing 7.5 kg). The arroba is an ancient unit of measurement, weighing between 11 and 12 kilos depending on the region.
The animals usually eat between 7 and 10 kilos of acorns and around 3 kilos of herbs a day.
In their daily search for the precious fruit, these ‘sporty’ animals generally walk up to 15 kilometres a day.
From “montanera” to the plate: the diet that elevates Iberian ham
To better understand the importance of diet in the composition of Iberian pig fat, it is essential to consider that, although pigs are allowed to enter the montanera phase at a weight between 92 and 115 kg, the Iberian pig, which reaches its peak muscle development at around 100 kg, still requires a diet containing between 11 and 11.5% protein. However, acorns contain on average only 5% protein; even if the animal consumes some grass, this is not enough to meet its needs, and as a result, muscle growth is slowed.
In order to reach the permitted slaughter weight, the animal will therefore consume a larger quantity of acorns, leading to a higher oleic acid content in its fat.
The addition of what was known as the « dessert » to pigs when they entered the montanera was very beneficial, provided it was done in moderation.
A simple barley supplement (not necessarily a compound feed), with its 11% protein content, was enough to meet the animal’s protein requirements and allow continued muscle development.
Moreover, this practice was highly advantageous for the farmer, as it allowed animals to be gathered and their condition monitored (sick, injured, or lost) when they came to receive their « dessert ».
How long does it take to dry an Iberian ham?
An Iberian ham is usually cured for 24 - 36 months. The curing time depends on the weight of the ham, the outside temperature throughout the months during which it is hung. It is not uncommon to find large hams weighing 9 kilos cured for 4 years. Keep in mind that once it is too dry it is no longer good!
Latest news
Olive oil 2026/2027: Spain sets aside 12% of its harvest
09/11/2026
With one of the largest harvests in its history on the way, Spain is pulling the brake: since 6 November 2026, olive mills (almazaras) must withdraw 12% of their 2026/2027 production from the market, around 188,000 tonnes. The decision comes from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) and was published in the BOE, Spain's official gazette.
Why? Regional estimates point to 1,602,596 tonnes of oil, 23% more than last year, thanks to a mild, rainy spring that helped the olive trees flower. It would be the fourth-largest crop ever recorded in Spain. On top of that, opening stocks stand at 357,040 tonnes, up 23.3%. Together, harvest and stocks exceed 120% of average production over the last six seasons: the threshold that triggers this anti-overproduction mechanism provided for by EU rules.
The market had already reacted: in mid-October, extra virgin olive oil was trading at around €3.25/kg at origin, nearly 24% less than a year earlier.
How does the withdrawal work?
Each mill applies the 12% to its monthly output from November onwards and is free to choose which category of oil to set aside. That oil stays in storage, on site or with a third party, until 30 September 2027, with monthly declarations and checks carried out by the regions. The ministry may adjust the measure from 31 December 2026, depending on how the harvest actually turns out. The stated goal: steady prices and protect olive growers' income without penalising buyers.
For food lovers, above all it signals a great year for Andalusian olive groves: a chance to taste the first oils of the season, starting with picual, in our selection of extra virgin olive oils.
>> Read the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture's official press release (in Spanish)
Los Pedroches Ham Fair: 14 acorn-fed hams compete for the Encina de Oro
03/11/2026
From 5 to 8 November 2026, Villanueva de Córdoba hosts the 26th Fair of 100% Iberian Bellota Ham PDO Los Pedroches. The highlight comes on Friday 6 November: 14 hams from the 2022 vintage (añada), entered by 14 producers of the designation including COVAP and Señorío de Los Pedroches, will compete for the Encina de Oro (Golden Holm Oak), with silver and bronze awards as well.
The jury will assess the shape and trimming of each ham, how it looks once sliced, its aroma, texture, flavour, juiciness and finish. The awards also honour the farmer and the farm the winning ham comes from, a reminder that everything starts in the dehesa.
The designation arrives in a strong position. In September it was named best ham at the first Mundial del Jamón in Ronda, ahead of Guijuelo, Jabugo and Dehesa de Extremadura. Its regulatory council certified 69,577 hams and shoulders of 100% Iberian pork in 2025 (+2.8%), around 90% of them bellota grade. The province of Córdoba has more than 210,000 Iberian pigs, some 2,000 farms and over 360,000 hectares of dehesa, and Villanueva de Córdoba is home to more pig farms than any other town in the province.
Four days of ham, auctions and carving knives
The contest opens Friday at 10:30 am. The Encina de Oro winner will then be auctioned (4:30 pm), while the silver and bronze hams will be paired with PDO Rías Baixas wines. The carvers take over that evening with the 1st Provincial Best Carver Contest (7 pm), followed by the 26th National Best Carver Contest on Sunday 8 November at 11:30 am (find out more in our article on ham carving contests, in French). The award ceremony at 2:30 pm will pay tribute to pig farmer Juana María Díaz Buenestado.
Around the contests, Thursday is a day for professionals, with a debate on animal health risks and African swine fever and the 26th Iberian Pig Day organised by ASAJA Córdoba. Saturday brings the Lonja de Los Pedroches pig market session, a walking route through the dehesa and olive groves (€8) and “Sabores de Cambados” workshops, featuring this year’s guest town from Galicia, the capital of Albariño wine. Throughout the four days: the Túnel del Jamón (ham tunnel) in the sports hall, the “Guardianes de la Dehesa” escape game and concerts in the tasting area. The fair is also using the occasion to launch its bid to become a Festival of Tourist Interest of Andalusia.
At TAPAS shop we will be watching the results closely: our 100% Iberian bellota ham PDO Los Pedroches comes from La Finojosa, a family business in Hinojosa del Duque, in the heart of the valley.
>> Read the presentation of the 26th Villanueva de Córdoba Ham Fair (in Spanish)
Olive oil 2026/2027: Spain expects 1.6 million tonnes, with Andalusia leading the way
21/10/2026
The olive oil season opened on 1 October 2026 with good news: according to the first official harvest forecast from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA), Spain should produce 1,602,596 tonnes of olive oil, around 23% more than last season. The ministry describes it as a “medium to high” crop, while stressing that this is an early estimate.
Andalusia alone accounts for almost 79% of the total, with 1,261,200 tonnes expected (+29%). The province of Jaén, home of the Picual olive, could supply 575,000 tonnes, more than a third of all Spanish oil. Next come Castilla-La Mancha (about 152,500 tonnes, +10%) and Extremadura (97,300 tonnes, +24%). By contrast, six regions are down, including Catalonia (−22%) and Aragon (−27%).
The upturn owes much to a mild, rainy spring that helped the trees flower and set fruit. Summer heatwaves, however, took their toll on unirrigated groves, and the weather over the coming weeks will decide the final yield.
Calmer prices at origin
As picking gets under way, prices remain steady: for the week of 10–16 October, the Poolred reference system put Spanish extra virgin olive oil at around €3.14/kg on average, on very thin trading. Growers and industry are also debating a possible temporary withdrawal of oil from the market, on which the government has yet to decide. For food lovers, above all, it promises a fine season of fresh, fruity and peppery new oils. In the meantime, explore our Andalusian extra virgin olive oils.
>> See the region-by-region harvest figures on Agrodigital (in Spanish)
Montanera 2026/2027: a bumper acorn crop in sight in the Extremadura dehesa
12/10/2026
Early reports from the field are encouraging: in Extremadura, the oaks of the dehesa look set to deliver plenty of acorns, good in both quantity and quality, as the 2026/2027 montanera gets under way. On prices, the breeders' association Aeceriber expects acorn-fed pigs to fetch slightly more than last season's average of €44.75 per arroba (11.5 kg).
After an exceptionally hot and dry summer, the rain that fell in late September and early October has finally turned the pastures green again. Breeders remain cautious, though: much will depend on autumn rainfall, which the acorns need to finish ripening and put on weight before the pigs are let into the oak pastures.
The previous season left good memories: 220,485 acorn-fed pigs were slaughtered in Extremadura during the 2025/2026 montanera, 5.3% more than the year before. The region has around one million hectares of dehesa, the landscape of holm and cork oaks where Iberian pigs roam freely (find out more: Iberian pigs in the dehesa).
No price yet for acorn-fed pork
As of 8 October, the Lonja de Extremadura had not yet published a price for acorn-fed pigs: only grain-fed cebo (€34.84–36.01/arroba) and free-range cebo de campo (€36.31–37.57/arroba) were quoted. Last year, at its first listing, 100% Iberian acorn-fed pork traded between €42.50 and €47 per arroba. The coming weeks will tell whether autumn keeps its promises… and so will the acorn-fed hams that leave the drying cellars a few years from now! (What is the montanera? See our frequently asked questions.)
>> Read the full article in La Portada de Extremadura (in Spanish)
Aracena celebrates Iberian ham over two October weekends
11/10/2026
The 29th Regional Fair of Iberian Ham and Pork in Aracena (Huelva), in the heart of the Sierra, takes place from 16 to 18 and from 23 to 25 October 2026. Listed as a Festival of Tourist Interest of Andalusia, this year it brings together 54 companies, including 17 Iberian specialists from Huelva, Seville, Badajoz and Salamanca.
The free-entry fairground covers more than 30,000 m², right next to the Gruta de las Maravillas cave. Visitors can look forward to boning and carving demonstrations, public tastings on Saturday evenings, live music and the traditional "Su peso en jamón" draw, where the winner takes home their own weight in Iberian ham.
Highlights
The ham carving competition is on Sunday 18 October, followed by technical sessions for professionals, with showcooking, on Friday 23.
That evening, the Ham Gala will award the Jamón de Oro to Manuel Romero Delgado, a producer based in Los Romeros, a hamlet of Jabugo. The Bellota de Oro goes to Francisco Casero, a leading figure in Andalusian organic farming. The fair is also twinned with the fair of the Los Pedroches PDO (Córdoba), and the Jabugo PDO is among its partners.
Record in Jabugo: the PDO certifies 132,994 pieces in 2025
16/04/2026
PDO Jabugo certified pieces in 2025 reached a historic maximum of 132,994 units (61,317 hams and 71,677 shoulders), all from 100% Iberian bellota, coming from previous vintages that completed their maturation during 2025.
The estimated market value of these pieces, sold as whole pieces, amounts to €37,288,079.27.
The annual report also highlights the growth of the protected product in sliced format, a trend which, according to the designation itself, reflects how registered cellars and drying facilities are adapting to evolving demand, both in the domestic and international markets.
These figures appear in the statistical report with which the Regulatory Council of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Jabugo closed the 2025 financial year, a label that exclusively certifies the 100% Iberian bellota category.
Official control and scope of the label
The Regulatory Council recalls that the certification of hams and shoulders under the PDO Jabugo is carried out under the official supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, through the Regulatory Council itself.
In its report, the organization also notes that the volumes of the designation remain quantitatively limited compared with the overall ham sector, and especially with Iberian ham and 100% Iberian bellota ham.
This reality is consistent with the strict quality and origin requirements needed to benefit from the PDO. In this context, the certified PDO Jabugo 2025 pieces are positioned as a limited and exclusive production.
The 13th World Ham Congress in Granada
09/03/2026
The 13th World Ham Congress, organised by Interham, will take place from 28 to 30 April 2026 in Granada (Spain), at the Andalusian Science Park. This landmark event brings together all stakeholders of the ham industry: producers, scientists, institutions, processors and industry experts.
Over three days, the congress will address the major current and future challenges of ham, both Iberian and white pork ham, through conferences, round tables and professional exchanges.
Key topics of the programme include:
Product quality and production processes: curing, salting, moulds and smart drying.
Innovation and new technologies: artificial intelligence, image analysis, metabolomics and the Ham 5.0 concept.
Food safety and control of microbiological risks.
Nutrition, health and sensory properties, including the concepts of umami and kokumi.
Sustainability and circular economy and by-product valorisation.
International markets, communication and marketing in a changing geopolitical context.
The congress will also feature scientific presentations, innovation sessions and networking moments designed to encourage exchanges between industry professionals.
A ham slicer from Nantes shone at the international contest in Paris
09/08/2025
Nicolas Terrienne took part in the first international competition of Iberian Bellota ham slicers, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, in Paris. His plate finished just behind that of a "cortador" from Seville. This event, which brought together French and Spanish participants, most of them professionals working in restaurants or major stores, required competitors to slice regular pieces of a Bellota ham within a set time.
>> A ham slicer from Nantes at the international contest in Paris
10 years - Asociación Cultural AGACUJ in Conil de la Frontera
Closure of #Montanera 2024/2025
03/03/2025
The 2024/2025 #Montanera closes with 580,665 acorn-fed pigs slaughtered (bellota), 2% less than last year.
Calculate the number of Iberian hams that will be available in 3 years' time...
A campaign marked by stability and quality, a guarantee for the production of extraordinary bellota Iberian hams in the years to come.
Of the pigs slaughtered, 66.73% were 100% Iberian (black label) and 33.27% were 75% and 50% Iberian.
Breakdown of slaughterings by community:
- Andalousia : 277 784 (+3,11%) | 47,84%.
- Extremadura: 209 330 (-10,02%) | 36,05%.
- Castilla y León : 53.338 (+3,11%) | 9,19%.
- Castilla-La Mancha : 8.543 (+19,65%) | 1,47%.
- Portugal : 31.638 (+1,07%) | 5,45%.
With regard to protected designations of origin, according to ITACA records, a total of 84,367 acorn-fed pigs (and PDO-labelled pigs) were certified this season, representing 14.5% of the total number of acorn-fed animals.
Of these pigs, 83.9% were fed with 100% Iberian acorns and 16.1% with 75% Iberian acorns.
The Consorcio del Jamón Serrano Español celebrates its 35th anniversary
23/01/2025
The entity created the Consorcio Serrano seal and a quality regulation to have an institutional distinctive that would be in charge of identifying those pieces elaborated in accordance with the demanding quality standards of the association and that passed the quality and selection controls established for the exportation of the product.
Since it began its activity, the Consorcio del Jamón Serrano Español has stamped a total of 19,592,024 pieces under its 100% Spanish quality and authenticity guarantee, which is estimated at between 30% and 35% of the volume of high-quality Serrano ham exported.
The Jabugo PDO certifies 87 583 pieces "100% acorn-fed Iberian" in 2023 (37 932 hams and 49 651 shoulders).
26/01/2024
According to the records, as of 31 December 2023, 380 dehesas located in Extremadura and Andalusia have participated in the montanera, and throughout the year 35 processing companies (slaughterhouses, cutting plants, dryers and wineries) located in the 31 municipalities around the Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Natural Park, whose dehesas have been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, have taken part in the montanera: Aracena, Aroche, Corteconcepción, Cortegana, Cumbres Mayores, Galaroza, Higuera de la Sierra, Santa Olalla del Cala and Jabugo itself.
>> DOP Jabugo
XI gastronomic days and X national ham cutting competition
17/05/2023
Considered the best ham cutting competition in 2022 by the National Association of Ham Cutters (ANCJ), this is an event not to be missed. On 16, 17 and 18 June 2023, this tenth annual national competition annual national competition will take place in Corteconcepción.
Inscription : la mairie de Corteconcepción (Huelva) a ouvert le 15 mai 2023 la période d'inscription au 10e concours national de coupeurs et trancheurs de jambon.
As every year, eight professionals will compete for the coveted title, which again qualifies for the Spanish championship in 2024, meaning that the winner will have a direct pass to the national final. For this reason, one of the requirements for participating is to be a member of the National Cutters Association.
100% Iberian production for the Dehesa de Extremadura PDO
04/05/2023
From now on, the Dehesa de Extremaduradesignation will only admit 100% Iberian hams and shoulders. Once the period of allegations has passed and the Junta has given its approval, the only thing left to do is to send the proposal to the European Commission. These conditions will be in place for the next "montanera". Dehesa de Extremadura wants to increase the excellence of its products and eliminate the possibility that they come from pigs that have a minimum of 75% Iberian breed. These conditions are already applied in the designations of Los Pedroches (Córdoba), Jabugo (Huelva). Only the designations Dehesa de Extremadura and Guijuelo are missing.
Hams of the world: cured ham in France
04/05/2023
In this conference organised by the Monte Nevado Ham Campus, Armand Touzanne (President of the Académie Française des Jambons Secs and Secretary General of the Federación Sur Europea de Razas Porcinas Autóctonas Extensivas - FESERPAE) will talk about the ham culture in France, and we will learn more about the most important PGIs and PDOs in that country.
On-site and virtual event, Thursday 4 May at 5pm. To register or watch the conference online, more information here.
Drought a risk factor for acorn-fed Iberian ham production
13/03/2023
According to forecasts by the Interprofessional Association of Iberian Pigs (ASICI), the slaughter of acorn-fed Iberian pigs in Spain in the 2022-2023 season will be 15-20% lower than in the 2021-2022 season. This decrease is between 10 and 40% depending on the farming area.
The drought has had a direct impact on the "dehesa", with a 20-25% reduction in acorn production per hectare, which has reduced the number of pigs that can be taken to the "montanera".
This lack of rain has delayed slaughter as in order to achieve optimum fattening of acorn-fed pigs and to meet the required quality standards, they have been grazing more hectares this year where they must spend a minimum of 61 to 90 days. This situation will reduce the supply of Iberian pigs and Iberian ham.
>> La sequía un factor de riesgo para la producción de jamón ibérico de bellota
All-Ballut, cured acorn cheese
05/03/2023
The Pedroches valley is famous for its dehesa (vast oak forests) and for its cattle. The "All-Ballut" cheese combines the acorns of its oaks with the milk of its cows.
The first acorn cheese in the world, made by the artisan cheese factory Plazuelo (Villaralto, Córdoba), is made exclusively with raw milk from local cows and acorns from the Vallesana dehesa.
It is a seasonal cheese; during the months of December and January, the acorns are harvested, peeled, roasted and ground. On the day the cheese is made, they are incorporated into the cheese itself before it is moulded.
The result is a blend of the creaminess of the cheese and the flavour of the acorn.
>> El primer queso de bellota del mundo vuelve al mercado desde Los Pedroches tras agotarse en 2022
Fourth International Iberian Cured Iberian Meat Forum, "cuisine and research".
14/10/2023
30 -31 October 2023. Two days dedicated to the study and dissemination of Iberian cuisine by the best professionals in the sector.
Iberian ham will once again place Salamanca on the international gastronomy scene. The official programme of the 4th International Ibérico Forum to be held on 30 and 31 October at the Centro Internacional del Español has been given a new twist, promoting this event which has already become one of the gastronomic events of reference, with the presence of half a dozen Michelin-starred names and the best experts and specialists in Ibérico.
La Montanera 2022/2023: fewer bellota pigs
11/01/2024
This year's figures reflect a 12.6% reduction in the slaughter of acorn-fed pigs compared with the previous season, i.e. 86,215 fewer animals.
According to data recorded by ÍTACA (Identification, Traceability and Quality System), 596,274 acorn-fed pigs were slaughtered in the 2022/2023 season, compared with 682,489 animals slaughtered in the previous season (2021/2022).
Of the total number of animals slaughtered, 86.7% (516,985 animals) were acorn-fed pigs under the "black or red label" quality standard, and 13.3% (79,289 animals) were PDO production (labelled black label: Jabugo, Los Pedroches, etc.).
Of the total number of pigs slaughtered in 2022-2023, 62.1% will be black pigs (370,560), 100% Iberian, and 37.8% red-label pigs, of which 7% will be 75% Iberian bellota quality (41,824 animals) and the remaining 30.8% (183,886 animals) 50% Iberian bellota quality.
Spanish ham declared best flavour 2023
22/02/2023
The International Taste Institute (ITI) in Brussels has chosen a 100% Iberian bellota ham rom Monesterio (Badajoz) as the best taste in the world in 2023.
The cutter Florencio Sanchidrián declared it to be one of the best hams he has ever cut, and 200 chefs who took part in the tasting were also convinced
Montanera 2022/23
31/01/2023
The number of "100% Ibérico de Bellota" pigs identified in the dehesas registered during the montanera 2022/23, i.e. during last autumn, was 25,272!
The number of pieces certified as Jabugo PDO in the year 2022 was 81 633: 41 930 hams and 39 703 shoulders. This figure refers to cured hams and shoulders whose production process began in the years prior to 2022.