Jabugo Ham. All about this PDO

Everyone is aware of the fame of Jabugo ham. In fact, you have probably tasted it. But when it comes to buying Iberian ham, do you know what makes Iberian products with the Jabugo PDO label so special? The Andalusian denomination par excellence has qualities that make it unique in the Iberian market, a market that struggles like no other to offer the best quality products.

Why is it important to buy Protected Designation of Origin Iberian ham?

To begin with, it should be clarified that any designation of origin is a guarantee of quality in itself. Due to the meticulousness with which the processes and products that obtain this label are controlled, it functions, for practical purposes, as a guarantee. A Protected Designation of Origin is the distinctive sign that a product with certain characteristics is made in a certain place. Of course, it is also made according to carefully described and controlled artisanal processes, and with very demanding quality controls.

In Spain, only four Denominations of Protected Origin are currently recognized for Iberian ham: Jabugo, Guijuelo, Dehesa de Extremadura and Los Pedroches. Each of them offers hams and shoulders that are unique in their own way in terms of texture and aroma, and all four offer exquisite qualities. So much so that, in 2020, in an unprecedented strategic alliance ofIberian PDOs , they joined forces to remind the public to demand the PDO seal on products if they wanted hams or shoulders with a true guarantee of quality.

As we know that you are crazy about Iberian products, we are going to tell you all the details of each of the Iberian PDOs so you can learn to differentiate them and enjoy them. Today we will talk about the Jabugo PDO, an appellation of origin that is strongly committed to artisanal processes and the highest quality of its products.

Jabugo Ham: A PDO with a taste of Andalusia

Jabugo is a specific region within the natural park Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche, in the province of Huelva. This area has unique microclimatic conditions, typical of the mountains near the coast. This means that the products cured in some of the cellars and dryers of the DOP De Jabugo, have very distinctive properties and nuances.

To put it more clearly, Iberian ham is, in a way, like wine. In the same way that the type of grape and its origin, together with the place where the wine rests, influence its flavor, the origin and drying of the ham determine its quality. Jabugo is firmly committed to offering 100% Iberian breed products. They also make sure that they are raised in the pasture, usually in Extremadura or Andalusia, fed with local products. Finally, they take their time to cure the products until they reach their optimum moment of consumption.

Specifically, a Jabugo PDO ham necessarily implies that the piece has been cured for no less than 600 days, and up to 150 days more if the weight exceeds 7kg. In addition, humidity control in the Jabugo drying sheds is carried out in the most traditional way: by opening and closing windows.

When you buy Jabugo ham, you will enjoy a meat that is not very salty, with a very soft and delicate texture. Its fat, in accordance with the meat, is distinguished by being unctuous and shiny as well as consistent, and has a yellowish-white color.

Within this, it should be clarified that although it is popularly known as Jabugo ham, not all the hams produced in this locality have the DOP seal, which, as we have already mentioned, not only supervises the origin, but also the quality of the meat and the production process. For this reason, the correct term to refer to the most internationally recognized DOP Iberian ham should be Jabugo DOP ham.

The ranges or qualities of Jabugo ham

Within Jabugo hams, in addition, three qualities can be found, equivalent to the color labeling we have already mentioned. Even so, Jabugo seeks to stand out for its quality. For this reason, within the standards of these labels, they are very self-demanding with their products. Therefore, three categories are distinguished, ranging from delights for the palate to such exquisite qualities that will make each slice a universe.

Jabugo Selection

Firstly, there is Jamón de Jabugo Selección, with 75% Iberian breed hams, which have been raised in pastures fed with the natural resources of this environment and some fodder. These are green label products. With a Selection quality ham you will enjoy all the qualities and flavors of the Sierra de Huelva.

Jabugo Excellens

If you are looking to surprise your friends or family, you can find the quality Jabugo Excellens ham. This quality is the red label within the Jabugo category. Excellens quality Jabugo hams are those hams from an animal of 75% Iberian breed, raised in freedom in pastures and fed with acorns.

Jabugo Summum

Finally, we have the Summum quality. This category is for the most demanding palates that seek to taste all the nuances and aromas of Jabugo hams that are also acorn-fed and 100% Iberian breed. As a curiosity, and for the most devoted lovers of Iberian ham, within this last category of the Jabugo PDO we find the most expensive and exclusive Iberian ham and exclusive on the market, which is made with one of the Iberian breed variants, the “manchada”, of which very few specimens are left in the world.

Now you know all the details that make unique to the hams and shoulders DOP Jabugoand as we know that you are already thinking about getting your next ham, you can’t miss all the offers that ibericomio has for you.