Savour the Taste of Spain: featuring some of our most popular Iberian pork products

Iberian meats are a highlight of any food lover's trip to Spain, but their robust, complex flavours don’t just happen by chance!  They are the result of centuries-old traditions that result in some of the best and most celebrated meats the world has to offer. Let's embark on a journey together, exploring the origins of these delicacies, their culinary uses and some fantastic dishes you can make at home.

The Origins of Iberian Meats

Our journey begins in the lush pastures of the Iberian Peninsula, home to the Iberian pig, a special breed, also known as Pata Negra. Renowned for their diet of acorns and grasses and a life of free-ranging, these pigs produce some of the finest meats known to the culinary world. Key regions for Iberian pig breeding include the oak-filled landscapes of Castilla y Leon, Extremadura and Andalusia in Spain, as well as Alentejo in Portugal.  If you want to learn more about how these wonderful pigs are raised and about the magical time known as La Montanera, go here

From the Iberian Pig to Your Plate

The versatile Iberian pig gives us a wide range of both cured and fresh products. Among the cured meats are the world-renowned Jamon Iberico, Lomo, Chorizo and Salchichon, while the fresh cuts like Presa and Secreto are perfect for a barbeque. For heartier dishes, the tender Carrillera (cheek meat) is an excellent and popular choice. Each cut has its unique taste and texture, adding to the appeal of this culinary treasure.

Cooking with Iberian Meats: Four Must-Try Dishes

Now that we know a little more about where Iberian meats come from and the different cuts available, let's move to the kitchen. Here are four classic dishes any meat-lover must try at home, featuring some of our most popular Iberian pork products:
1.    Traditional Jamon Iberico with Tomato-Rubbed Bread: A simple, yet sophisticated starter.
2.    Grilled Presa Iberica with Chimichurri: Ideal for a summer barbeque.
3.    Slow-Cooked Carrillera in Red Wine Sauce: Comfort food at its finest.
4.    Grilled Secreto with Olive Oil and Sea Salt: A minimalistic recipe that lets the meat shine.

Some of the Iberico Meats we have selected for you

•    Jamon Iberico: Perhaps the most famous of all Iberian pork products, jamon Iberico is a cured ham that's sliced thinly and served as an appetizer or snack.

•    Chorizo Iberico: This cured sausage is a staple of Spanish cuisine, and it's made with a blend of Iberian pork, paprika, and garlic.

•    Salchichon Iberico:  A cured sausage with rich intense flavour that makes it shine through.

•   Lomo Iberico: This cured pork loin is a popular ingredient in sandwiches and tapas, and it's often served thinly sliced with bread and cheese.

•    Pluma Iberica: This cut of pork comes from the shoulder of the Iberian pig, and it's known for its tender, flavourful meat.

•    Presa: Cut from the shoulder of the Iberian pig, specifically the area between the shoulder blade and the loin.

•    Secreto: A thin and flavourful cut of meat that comes from the Iberian pig, specifically the area between the shoulder blade and the loin.

•    Carrillera: Known as beef cheek or ox cheek, this is a flavourful and tender cut of meat that comes from the cheeks of cattle.

Each product has been carefully selected to showcase the flavour and versatility of Iberian meats. So be sure to try these dishes at home? They're sure to impress your friends and family, and they're a great way to explore the rich tapestry of Spanish cuisine.
Here at Iberica, we're committed to bringing you the highest quality Iberian meats, delivered straight from Spain, to our UK based premises to your doorstep. We assure you that once you've tasted the authentic, rich flavours of our products, you'll understand why they're loved by chefs and food enthusiasts worldwide.

We can write all day about these wonderful meats from Spain, but no words are ever going to convey to you the richness or complexity of their flavours.  The only way you’ll ever know them is to taste them.  So go on, treat yourself to a taste of Spain and shop with us today!