World's Best Ham by PataNegra.dk

Every year, as autumn settles over the Spanish countryside, something quiet but important begins to happen across the dehesa landscapes of Spain. Acorns start falling from the oak trees, and Iberian pigs are released into open pastures to begin what farmers call la montanera. For outsiders, it might simply look like pigs wandering through woodland. But for producers, this period is everything. It’s the stage that ultimately determines the flavor, texture, and prestige of Iberian pork products. What Is the Montanera? The montanera is the final feeding phase in the life of the Iberian pig. It usually takes place between October and February, when holm oaks and cork oaks drop their acorns across the dehesa. During these months, the pigs roam freely across large stretches of land. They feed mainly on acorns called “bellotas”  and natural grasses they find while grazing. Unlike intensive farming systems, in which animals are kept stationary, the animals here move constantly. They walk ...

Spain has long been known for turning food into culture, and few products capture that spirit better than Iberian ham. Recently, the spotlight fell on an extraordinary creation, the Supreme Signature 2021 Montanera, a 100% acorn-fed Iberian ham produced by Ibéricos Montellano and presented by the legendary ham carver Florencio Sanchidrián. This isn't just another luxury food product. In many ways, it's a small piece of Spain's rural heritage, one that carries tradition, craft, and even a touch of human emotion. Only Six Pieces in the World What makes the Supreme Signature 2021 so unusual is its rarity. Only six pieces exist. Each is personally signed by Sanchidrián, widely known as one of the world's greatest ambassadors of Iberian ham. Over the years, he has carved ham for royalty, presidents, chefs,s and celebrities, helping elevate what was once a humble rural product into a symbol of Spanish gastronomy. For him, ham carving isn't just a technical skill; it'...

Iberian Bellota Ham Monte Nevado, the most awarded ham producer at the Spanish Food Awards, has announced the release of the Limited Edition 2020 vintage of its prized 100% Iberian Bellota Ham . Gourmet connoisseurs and the most discerning palates find this offering a treasure each year. With its heritage deeply rooted in tradition, Monte Nevado continues to set the standard for premium ham production. The Exceptional 2020 Vintage As with every year, Monte Nevado meticulously hand-selected the finest pieces of 100% Iberian Bellota Ham from the 2019-2020 montanera season. This vintage has been deemed extraordinary due to the exceptional quality and abundance of acorns and grass during the season, particularly at its end. The late November and December rains contributed significantly by reducing fat oxidation during the aging process in the cellar. These favorable natural conditions, combined with Monte Nevado’s expertise, have resulted in a special edition with an unmatched aro...