Everything you need to know about Iberico pork

Iberico Pork from Spain
If you are not from the Mediterranean area, you probably never heard about Iberico pork from Spain.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about it. Like what makes it taste so good, and what is the difference compared to regular pork meat. This kind of product is really hard to find since the only place where the pork comes from is in the Iberian area on the Spanish and Portuguese lands.
Contents :
✅ What is different about Iberico meat?
✅ What is the breeding process for Iberico pigs?
✅ Is this kind of pork more expensive?
Where does Iberico pork come from?
The Iberian pig is a very old animal that pre-existed animal domestication. Their origin can be traced back to the Neolithic Period around 12,000 years ago.
You will find Iberian pigs living in the mountains, usually in a wild environment, or in the forest close to its favorite diet of acorns, oak, and nuts.
Iberian pigs have a red to grey skin color and have very little or no hair.
What is different about Iberico meat?
When you eat Iberico pork, the marbling of fat in it makes it super tasty and delicious. The meat is more flavorful, more juicy, and very distinctive.

What is the breeding process for Iberico pigs?
During the spring and summer months the pigs will eat grass, mushrooms, bugs, and herbs.. Then, from October to March, it is acorn season, with acorns falling from the dehesas.
Acorn is the favorite food of the Iberico pig, and it will eat a lot of them. This will increase their fat and infiltrate the taste of the acorns into their muscle.
If you would like to know more about the process, take a look at this article.
Is Iberico pork expensive?
Furthermore, Iberico pigs have smaller litters and yield less meat. It takes time for them to grow. Also, the production of the pork takes longer.
What cuts can I find ?
- Pork belly
- Shoulder loin
- Shoulder steaks
- Ribs
- Pork rack
- Tenderloin
The interesting thing about it is that it looks like beef because of the color, so you will think it’s a small piece of meat.
Can I bring Iberico pork into the US ?
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to bring Iberico pork from Spain into the U.S., even for personal consumption. It is considered illegal to buy it in Spain and import it into the country.
The pork has to meet American health standards, so only U.S. authorized facilities can import Iberico meat to the U.S.
Lucky for you, we are one of them! If you would like to try it out, feel free to check out our Iberico pig selection.
If you have any questions about Iberico pork feel free to ask; we will be happy to help !
A few cooking ideas for Iberico pork
Fry it, roast it, grill it, broil it or bake it, just like regular pork. The difference is the succulent, rich taste of the finished product!
Feel free to look at this article to find a different way to cook your Iberico pork and even more information about it.
Bon appetit!
Chef Dish with Tenderloin
Home made dish with Pluma
Chef appetizer with cured Belly