World's Best Ham by PataNegra.dk

There are foods that are simply part of a meal, and then there are foods that seem to carry an entire landscape with them. The 100% Iberian acorn-fed ham of Los Pedroches is one of those products. Its story begins long before a thin slice reaches a plate. It begins in the oak-filled dehesa of northern Córdoba, with Iberian pigs roaming through the countryside, farmers caring for their animals and producers following a process that depends heavily on patience. That story will take center stage once again when Villanueva de Córdoba hosts the 26th Los Pedroches 100% Iberian Acorn-Fed Ham DOP Festival from November 5 to 8, 2026. This year's event promises more space, more activities and a stronger connection between gastronomy, tourism and the countryside. The program will include a large public tasting area, the return of the Ham Tunnel, cooking demonstrations, guided tastings, professional competitions and experiences designed to help visitors understand where this famous Spanish pro...

The search for some of Extremadura's finest Iberian ham has entered its final stage, and this year the numbers tell an interesting story: 18 hams entered the competition, eight trained experts have been involved in the judging process, and only six will reach the final stage . The competition is the XXVII Premio Espiga Jamones Ibéricos D.O.P. Dehesa de Extremadura, one of the established food awards dedicated to Iberian ham from the protected designation of origin. Organised by Caja Rural de Extremadura with the technical direction of the Centre for Scientific and Technological Research of Extremadura (CICYTEX), the competition is designed to recognise quality in one of the region's most important traditional foods. But choosing a high-quality Iberian ham isn't as simple as looking at its appearance or knowing the producer's name. The competition uses blind tasting, trained judges, and detailed sensory assessments to examine what is actually inside each piece. This yea...

The FIFA World Cup Final is the biggest stage in international football, attracting millions of viewers and bringing together leaders from sport, business, and culture. While Spain celebrated its historic victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final in New Jersey, another symbol of Spanish excellence was capturing attention beyond the stadium: Cinco Jotas' world-renowned Jamón Ibérico . For Cinco Jotas, the tournament was never just about being present at football's biggest event. It was about introducing the rich heritage of 100% acorn-fed Iberian ham to an international audience and demonstrating why this iconic product is considered one of Spain's greatest culinary treasures. Sharing the Art of Jamón Ibérico As part of the World Cup celebrations, Cinco Jotas participated in two exclusive experiences: Casa España – Little Spain in New York and the VIP hospitality suites at MetLife Stadium. These venues welcomed diplomats, business executives, sports personalities, media repr...

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...