Ibérico Pork is the meat from pork bred and raised in specific regions of Spain, particularly the Iberian Peninsula, located in the southernmost reaches of the country.
Ibérico Pork meat has an incredibly smooth, nutty flavor that puts it above any other you’ve ever tasted. For Spaniards, Ibérico Pork means luxury and good times; it is thought of alongside other delicacies such as scallops, shrimp, chocolate, artisanal beer, and exotic fruit.
How is Ibérico Pork made?
To understand why Ibérico Pork costs more than your average supermarket hog, we first need to understand that not just any meat gets to be called Ibérico meat. The product is such a staple of Spanish culture and its international identity, that producers must follow rigorous guidelines to market it as such.
In 2001, the Spanish government passed special laws that ensured that only the products that met certain standards could be labeled “Ibérico”. The goal was to prevent cheap imitations from flooding the market whose low-quality products would dilute the brand’s equity.
Only certain breeds can be used to make Ibérico Pork, namely those that result in the mix of a pure Ibérico sow (female) with a boar (male) from either the Ibérico, Duroc, or Duroc-Jersey breeds. The Spanish government requires all Ibérico Pork manufacturers to comply with extremely strict sanitary requirements and practices, which monitor the health of the animals from birth to slaughter, and until the packaged product hits the stands. Of course, all of this requires that you get your product from reputable sources that follow the industry’s best practices. At Gourmet Food Store we get our Ibérico Pork from some of Spain’s most prominent “mataderos”, including Embutidos Fermin, Vallehermoso, and Finca Helechal
Ibérico Pork is a prime candidate for any cooked dish you might have in mind; the fresh meat retains all the amazing flavor from the animal’s acorn-heavy diet, without the distinctive saltiness that the curing process imbues to the paleta.
As would be expected from a creature whose sole job in life is to leisurely stroll through the meadows while eating all the acorns it can find, Ibérico Pork meat is extremely tender and juicy, perfect for any use. The fat is so flavorful that you can use it to cook any fried or sauteed food and immediately turn an old classic into an exotic novelty.
Feel like steak? Fermin’s Secreto Ibérico Skirt Steak is an expertly cut piece of pork, carefully cut from the “secret” spot between the shoulder, ribs, and fatback, resulting in a veined, well-marbled steak that stands out for its flavor and tenderness. Secreto Iberico is ideal for barbecuing, which will unleash exquisite flavors, surprising and delighting even the most discerning of meat connoisseurs.
Do you like getting your hands dirty? Try Vallehermoso’s unbelievable Spare Ribs. Best of all, these ribs have an excellent meat-to-bone ratio, making them immensely satisfying to bite into, as well as letting you get your money’s worth! Add your choice of barbecue rub or marinade and grill to create a true meat lover's treat.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go for a local favorite: Morcilla Ibérica. This dark crimson blood sausage, made in the style of Salamanca, is a classic Spanish dish. Amazingly smooth and flavorful, the Ibérico Pork’s signature nutty flavor adds an incredible twist to an already unbeatable staple. Serve it on crusty bread as an appetizer, with a side of potatoes or toss it with a salad, add it to a stew or sauce, or serve it a bit cooled down as part of a tapas spread. There are so many delicious ways to enjoy sausages!
Now that you know all the work and care that goes into this premium product, hopefully the price tag seems worth it. If you’re ready to start trying some of these Spanish , stop by our store and start your culinary travels!