World's Best Ham by PataNegra.dk

Every year, the Iberian pork sector awaits one moment that can change everything: the montanera season. It’s the period when Iberian pigs roam freely through Spain’s dehesa landscapes, feeding on acorns and natural pastures. And according to producers like FISAN, the 2025–2026 montanera is shaping up to be something quite special. For farmers and producers, this stage isn’t just another step in the production process. It’s the moment where nature does most of the work. And when conditions are right… the results can be extraordinary. A Season That Started a Little Late This year’s montanera began slightly later than usual, starting around mid-November instead of early autumn. At first, that raised a few concerns in the sector. Delays sometimes mean unpredictable conditions for the pigs and for the acorn harvest. But as the weeks passed, the outlook changed. Pastures grew well, water reserves were sufficient,t and the acorns developed in a fairly balanced way. Bit by bit, producers bega...