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The Government of Andalusia has officially released the 2026 Montanera Map, an annual update that plays a major role in the production of Spain's world-famous acorn-fed Iberian pork. While the announcement may seem highly technical, it has a direct impact on farmers, processors, and consumers alike by helping guarantee that products labeled as acorn-fed Iberian truly meet the strict standards required under Spanish regulations. The map identifies the dehesa areas that are suitable for raising Iberian pigs during the montanera season, the period when animals roam freely and feed naturally on acorns, grasses, and other resources found in the oak woodlands. This stage is considered the most important part of the production cycle because it gives Iberian ham its distinctive flavor, aroma, and marbled texture. More Accurate Mapping through Modern Technology For the 2026 campaign, Andalusia has introduced further improvements in the way eligible land is assessed. The updated map contai...

Spain's latest montanera season has ended with a small but meaningful rise, giving the Iberian pork sector a reason to breathe a little easier. According to ASICI, the interprofessional association for Iberian pork, the 2025/26 campaign closed with 598,090 acorn-fed Iberian pigs slaughtered , a 3% increase compared with the previous season. That may sound like just another production figure, but in this sector, numbers carry weight. It means 17,425 more bellota pigs reached the market this year. More importantly, it breaks a three-year period of adjustment and makes this the second-strongest montanera campaign of the last five years, behind only 2021/22. For producers, this feels like a careful recovery. Not a boom. Not a rush. Just a sign that the countryside, the animals, and the market are starting to line up again. What Montanera Really Means To understand why this matters, it helps to understand what montanera actually is. Montanera is the final fattening stage of the Ibe...

If you’ve ever tasted a slice of real jamón ibérico de bellota, you probably remember it forever. The way it melts on your tongue, releasing a deep, nutty sweetness that lingers — it’s unlike any other ham on earth. In fact, many chefs and gourmets agree that this is nothing less than the world’s best ham, a masterpiece born in the sun-drenched hills of southern Spain. But behind that delicate slice lies a long story — one of patience, nature, and tradition that refuses to be rushed. Where It All Begins In the rolling landscapes of Andalusia and Extremadura, ancient oak trees scatter the horizon. This is the dehesa, a mosaic of pasture and woodland where the purebred Iberian pigs roam freely. From October to March, they feast on bellotas, the fallen acorns that give their meat its unique taste. It’s not a farm in the modern sense — it’s more like a natural paradise. Each pig enjoys over two hectares of open space, walking miles every day in search of acorns. That movement and diet sha...

The scent of oak, cured meat, and autumn air already drifts through the mountain town of Aracena, as it gears up for one of the most anticipated events in Andalusia — the XXVIII Feria Regional del Jamón y del Cerdo Ibérico. This 28th edition will once again turn Aracena into the beating heart of Iberianflavourr, welcoming locals and visitors alike over two festive weekends: October 17–19 and October 24–26. Declared a Fiesta de Interés Turístico de Andalucía, the fair is much more than a local gathering. It’s a proud reflection of the region’s heritage — the land, the oak forests, and the centuries-old craft of raising and curing Iberian pigs that define Huelva’s mountain life. Tradition and Quality Above All Aracena’s mayor, Manuel Guerra, and development councilor Carlos García recently presented the fair’s program and poster. Guerra explained that while the event continues to grow, it never forgets its roots: “We keep the essence alive — quality, livestock tradition, and the authent...

Pata Negra Ham In her latest culinary exploration, actress and producer Eva Longoria embarks on a flavorful journey through Spain in the CNN docuseries Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain. This eight-part series, which premiered on April 27, 2025, delves deep into the heart of Spanish culture, traditions, and, most notably, its diverse and rich gastronomy. A Personal Pilgrimage to Ancestral Roots Longoria's voyage is more than just a gastronomic tour; it's a heartfelt reconnection with her Spanish heritage. Tracing her lineage back eleven generations to Asturias, she visits the town of Longoria, sharing meals with distant relatives and immersing herself in the region's customs. This personal touch adds depth to the series, showcasing how food connects past and present, connecting individuals to their roots. Andalusia: A Culinary and Cultural Epicenter Among the various regions explored, Andalusia stands out for its vibrant culture and culinary delights. Known as the birthplac...

Los Pedroches The world of Iberian ham continues to evolve, and the Los Pedroches Denominación de Origen (DO) remains at the forefront of preserving the quality and heritage of this prized product. On October 25, a significant event happened within the DO when the Regulatory Council voted to re-elect Antonio Jesús Torralbo as president after a 12-year tenure. Alongside him, Alfonso Blanco Valera was appointed as the new vice president, representing Ibérico de Bellota, SA. This leadership change represents a new chapter in the continuous effort to preserve the excellence of Iberian hams, particularly the renowned Pata Negra ham. Preserving Tradition and Quality The Los Pedroches DO encompasses the renowned production area of Iberian ham from the Los Pedroches Valley in Andalusia, Spain. This region is known for producing some of the finest Pata Negra ham , referring to Iberian ham derived from purebred black-footed Iberian pigs. These hams are celebrated for their rich flavor and melt-i...

In a heist that has stunned southern Spain, police are hunting for thieves who made off with a jaw-dropping €200,000 worth of top-quality Pata Negra ham, a delicacy prized for its rich, nutty flavor and luxurious texture. The crime has shaken the small mountain village of Corteconcepción in Huelva and dealt a devastating blow to a family business with over two centuries of tradition. The robbery targeted the Jamones Eíriz factory, renowned for producing Iberian acorn-fed hams with the coveted Denominación de Origen Protegida (PDO) seal. In the dead of night, a third of the company’s annual stock—some 400 ham legs—vanished from a storage facility where they awaited final labeling. Each ham, valued at more than €500, was destined to grace holiday tables across the globe. “This is not just about money; it’s the destruction of years of work,” lamented Domingo Eíriz, the fourth-generation owner of the family-run business established in 1818. “They knew exactly what they were doing and s...

The town of Aracena recently hosted the XXVII Regional Fair of Iberian Ham and Pork, a celebration that continues to draw ham lovers from across the region to the heart of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche. Held on consecutive weekends from October 18 to 20 and 25 to 27, the fair opened daily from 12 to 8 PM, welcoming hundreds of visitors eager to savor the exquisite flavors of Iberian ham, or pata negra, a culinary gem emblematic of the Sierra de Aracena. This annual event brought together the industry’s leading producers at the Aracena Fairgrounds on Avenida Reina de los Ángeles. Renowned local companies, such as the family-owned Gran Paladar, based in Higuera de la Sierra, showcased various traditional Iberian ham products, including their prized 100% Iberian acorn-fed ham. Carlos Garzón, director of Gran Paladar and founder’s son, expressed excitement about this year’s promising montanera, a critical period when Iberian pigs feed primarily on acorns. Thanks to recent rains...