World's Best Ham by PataNegra.dk

In the northern reaches of Córdoba province, the landscape stretches wide and open. Holm oaks dot the horizon, their branches casting generous shade over grazing Iberian pigs. This is the dehesa, a unique ecosystem shaped by centuries of coexistence between nature, livestock, and people. It's here, long before a ham reaches the table, that the story of DOP Los Pedroches truly begins. A Landmark Year for DOP Los Pedroches In 2025, the Protected Designation of Origin certified 69,577 pieces of ham and shoulder, marking a 2.8% increase compared to the previous year. The number may seem modest at first glance, but within the world of premium Iberian production, steady growth speaks volumes. It reflects stability, confidence, and a commitment to doing things the right way, even when that way is slower. More telling still is where that growth comes from. The Dominance of Bellota 100% Iberian Nearly 90% of the certified production, 62,367 pieces, belongs to the Bellota 100% Iberian categ...

The most recent Los Pedroches 100% Iberian Ham Fair, held in Villanueva de Córdoba, wrapped up with an unforgettable milestone. For the first time in the history of the National Ham-Cutting Championship, a woman stepped onto the podium, breaking a long-standing barrier in a craft usually led by men. A Festival of Tradition and Flavour Across four busy days, the fair filled the town with tastings, food stands, music, and the unmistakable aroma of Iberian ham. People from everywhere came to try the famous DOP Los Pedroches product, often praised as the world’s best ham. The atmosphere felt lively, warm, and proudly rooted in its traditions, yet also open to change. The Championship and Its Breakthrough The 25th National Ham-Cutting Contest brought together some of the most talented cutters in Spain. 1st place: Francisco Javier García Pérez (Aracena, Huelva) 2nd place: Francisco Jiménez (Jaén) 3rd place: Brígida Castelli (Italy / Zaragoza–Rome)* — the first woman ever to reach the pod...