With the arrival of October, the Dehesa becomes the stage for the most crucial moment in the raising of 100% Iberian breed pigs: La Montanera.
Our free-range pigs eagerly await their favorite time of the year to enjoy their preferred food: the acorn (or bellota).
What is La Montanera?
La Montanera is the period when the ripe fruits of holm oaks, cork oaks, and gall oaks fall in the dehesa. These acorns, combined with autumn grasses, form a perfectly balanced diet for Iberian pigs, essential for producing the renowned Iberian ham.
This period lasts from late October to early March, with the peak months from early November to mid-February. During this time, Iberian pigs gain an average of over 800 grams per day. It's crucial that the pigs have fully developed their musculoskeletal characteristics and start with minimal subcutaneous fat at the beginning of La Montanera. This ensures that the monounsaturated fatty acids from the acorns are properly absorbed.
Activity of pigs during La Montanera
Each Montanera is unique, depending on rainfall and the quantity of acorns available. The pigs have a minimum area of 10,000 square meters per animal, where they roam freely. In this environment, they cover between 10 and 12 kilometers daily, foraging wild grasses and natural ponds for the best acorns. They can consume up to 10 kilograms of acorns daily and double their weight during this time.
This daily exercise, combined with their acorn-based diet, allows the vegetable fat from the acorns to infiltrate the muscle fibers of the pigs. This results in the characteristic marbling and shine of 100% Iberian Bellota ham, renowned for its exceptional flavor, texture, and aroma.
Diet of Iberian Pigs in the Dehesa
The acorn is the star food during La Montanera. Acorns are highly nutritious, providing a fat content similar to olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. The grasses balance the pigs' diet, providing proteins and abundant vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that aids in the curing process of the ham. Additionally, the pigs deposit minerals like iron and zinc into the ham, making the 100% Iberico Bellota Ham a gastronomic treasure that is also beneficial for health.
The Dehesa: An Ideal Environment for Free-Range Raising
The Dehesa is a natural ecosystem modified by humans to optimize the raising of Iberian pigs. A pig needs between 800 and 1,000 kg of acorns to complete its Montanera phase, with a density of about 50 trees per hectare and yields of 20 to 30 kg per tree. This allows for roughly one pig per hectare, ensuring each animal has enough natural resources for its diet.
La Montanera at Aroma Ibérico
At Aroma Ibérico , we ensure that our products maintain the quality our customers deserve. La Montanera is a crucial stage in the dehesas of our producers, guaranteeing that each piece of Iberian Bellota ham has the unmatched flavor and texture that distinguishes it.
Where to Buy Jamón in Denmark?
If you are looking for where to buy Jamón in Denmark, at Aroma Ibérico we offer the finest Iberian ham products, including the exclusive pata negra. Our careful process and dedication to quality ensure that each piece of Iberian ham we sell is a masterpiece of flavor and tradition. Visit our online store to explore our selection and enjoy authentic Iberian ham directly at your home.
Buy now at Aroma Ibérico and discover the excellence of Iberico Bellota ham!