World's Best Ham by PataNegra.dk

In Spain, carving an Iberian ham is not simply about slicing meat. It is a craft. An art form, really. The angle of the knife, the thickness of every slice, the way the ham is presented on the plate, everything matters. Even the smallest detail can separate a good cutter from a great one. And this year, that distinction belonged to Francisco Javier García Pérez, a ham cutter from Aracena, Huelva, who was crowned champion at the XVIII National Ham Cutters' Competition in Jerez de los Caballeros during the XXXVI Iberian Ham and Dehesa Fair. He left with the competition's competition, the “Golden Knife", and that was not all. He also won the award for best creative plate, adding another trophy and an extra €100 prize to an already memorable day. Not bad at all. A Double Victory on the Carving Stand Winning the Golden Knife is already considered a major achievement among ham carving professionals across Spain. Taking home a second award on the same day made the moment even big...

In the southwest of Spain, surrounded by the rolling landscapes of Extremadura, the historic town of Jerez de los Caballeros is getting ready for a celebration that means a lot more than just handing out trophies. This year, the town will host the Porc d’Or Ibérico Awards, one of the most important recognitions in Spain’s pig farming sector. The event is expected to bring together farmers, researchers, industry experts, and institutions from across the country. For many of them, it’s not only an awards ceremony, but it’s also a chance to reconnect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and celebrate the work that goes on behind the scenes of one of Spain’s most valued agricultural traditions. A Key Event for the Iberian Pig Sector The Porc d’Or Ibérico Awards recognize excellence in Iberian pig farming. Organized by the Institute for Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), the awards focus on farms that demonstrate outstanding management, productivity, and animal welfare. But winning one o...

Pata Negra Ham Since its inception in 1989, the Iberian Ham Fair in Jerez de los Caballeros has evolved into one of Spain's most significant gastronomic events. Nestled in the heart of Extremadura, a region renowned for its rich culinary heritage, this annual celebration pays homage to the revered Iberian ham and the unique ecosystem that nurtures it: the Dehesa. The fair was established with a clear objective: to promote Iberian pork products, particularly ham, and to open new markets. Today, it attracts over a hundred producers yearly, including those under the Protected Denominations of Origin (DOP) such as Huelva, Guijuelo, and Dehesa de Extremadura. Established in 1990, the latter has been instrumental in solidifying the reputation of Extremaduran Iberian ham, celebrated for its unparalleled quality and flavor. The event's program is diverse and engaging, featuring competitions that reward excellence in quality, slicing contests where technique and precision are paramount,...