TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best European Jamón Types
This variety of Iberian ham is produced with meat coming from acorn-fed Iberian pigs that are either 75% or 50% pure Iberian breed, meaning they have been crossbred with other pigs such as the Duroc breed. As in the case of jamón 100% ibérico de bellota, the pigs used in the production of this ham are allowed to roam freely across the oak pasturelands in their final rearing stage, known as the montanera, eating an acorn-based diet until they reach the desired weight for the sacrifice, or the matanza as the Spanish call it. Jamón ibérico de bellota makes for about 13% of the total Iberian ham production and is distinguished by a red label.
The designated areas of Iberian bellota ham production include the Dehesa de Extremadura, Salamanca, Huelva, and Valle de Los Pedroches in Spain, along with Barrancos in Portugal.
THE BEST Jamón ibérico de bellota Jamones
Regarded as the most exquisite variety of Iberian ham, or jamón ibérico, this ham is made with the meat of 100% purebred black Iberian pigs that have been roaming freely across oak pastures (Dehesa) and feeding on an acorn-based (bellota) diet.
Apart from these specifications, the pigs also have to be reared in one of the designated places of origin as well as fulfill the specified standards of bellota ham production to receive the most renowned black label or pata negra status - denoting the highest-quality Iberian ham.
THE BEST Jamón 100% ibérico de bellota Jamones
Ibéricos COVAP
Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico Alta Expresión D.O.P de Los Pedroches
Superior Taste Awards - 3 stars 2024, 2021
Monte Nevado
Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico
Premios Alimentos de España - Mejor Jamón Ibérico de España 2018
Jamón Ibérico is a unique ham produced both in Spain and in Portugal. It is made from black ibérico pigs who eat a diet of corn, acorns, and other feed, most of them roaming freely across the pastures. As a result, the cured ham is dark red, marbled with veins of fat.
Its flavor is sweet, nutty, and just slightly salty. There are four types of jamón ibérico, depending on the diet of the pigs, namely de bellota (acorns, three years minimum), 100% de bellota, cebo de campo (cereals, free-range pigs), and de cebo (cereals, commercially reared pigs).
VARIATIONS OF Jamón Ibérico
Jamón Serrano is a cured ham produced using the traditional methods dating back to Roman times. This ham has a bright pink to purple color and shiny appearance when cut. This ham is made in four separate steps that include salting, washing, post-salting, and drying or maturation.
Jamón Serrano is cured and dried without skin for more than a year and has a delicate and characteristic aroma. Not much salt is used during the production of this emblematic ham, which makes it only slightly salty and brings out sweet notes that complement the flavor beautifully.
THE BEST Jamón Serrano Jamones
Hermanos Escámez Sánchez
Jamón Serrano Reserva
Premios Alimentos de España - Mejor Jamón Serrano de España 2020
Named after a village nestled in the Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Nature Park, in the northern part of the Andalusian province of Huelva, Jabugo is a variety of the popular Spanish Ibérico ham or shoulder ham made from the meat of the pure-bred Iberian pig or cross-breed of the local Manchado de Jabugo pig, with at least 75 % Iberian blood.
The unique metabolism of these animals allows their fat to integrate into the muscles, evenly marbling the meat, which results in the distinctive flavor and juiciness of each ham. Reared in the so-called 'dehesas', agro-forested lands used primarily for grazing, sparsely wooded with holm and cork oaks, Iberian pigs gorge on acorns which give the meat a particularly sweet and nutty flavor.
THE BEST Jabugo Jamones
Guijuelo is a ham or a shoulder from pure-bred pigs of Ibérico breed made in the autonomous community of Extremadura. This ham has an exceptional ratio of sweet and savory flavors that are complemented by nutty and woody notes. It is a high-quality ham that melts in the mouth when thinly sliced.
When cut, this ham is bright pink to red with evenly distributed white to light yellow fat stripes. These hams are cured and dried for a minimum of 18 months and must weigh more than four kilos. Guijuelo shoulders are produced in the same way except they are dried and cured for 12 months and must weigh more than 3,5 kilos.
THE BEST Guijuelo Jamones
Jamones Juan Manuel
Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico
Premios Alimentos de España - Mejor Jamón Ibérico de España 2024, 2020
Jamones Aljomar
Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico
Premios Alimentos de España - Mejor Jamón Ibérico de España 2022
Jamón de Serón is a ham made exclusively within the municipality of Serón from pigs of Duroc, Large White, Landrace, Blanco Belga, Pietrain or Chato Murciano breeds.
This ham owes its excellence to the slow and long process of curing and drying that takes more than 16 months to complete. A good proportion of infiltrated fat between the bright pink to red muscle fibers gives this ham a shiny appearance and smooth texture.
Dehesa de Extremadura is a cured ham and shoulders made of pure-bred Ibérico-pigs meat produced in the provinces of Cáceres and Badajoz. The manufacturing process takes at least 18 months for hams and 12 months for the shoulders and consists of salting, resting, curing and aging.
During curing and aging, the product naturally dries and fat infiltrates the meat evenly which gives this ham juiciness. This special method of production allows for a product of a unique aroma and flavor that is recognized by its complexity and intensity.
THE BEST Dehesa de Extremadura Jamones
This Iberian ham variety comes from black Iberian pigs of either 75% or 50% Iberian breed. The difference between this variety and the other two Iberian ham varieties, namely the bellota and the cebo de campo varieties, which are made from pigs with the same Iberian breed percentage, lies in the pigs’ diet and their rearing.
Pigs used in the production of jamón ibérico de cebo are typically raised on farms, in pens, and their diet consists only of natural commercial feed. Accounting for about 80% of the total Iberian ham production, ibérico de cebo is undoubtedly the most prevalent Iberian ham variety and bears a white label.
THE BEST Jamón ibérico de cebo Jamones
Jamón de Teruel and Paleta de Teruel are the cured hams and shoulders made of pigs meat from the Duroc, Landrace and the Large White breeds, in the province of Teruel. These hams are usually covered in mold on the outside when the process of aging and curing is finished.
They are then cleaned and lightly coated with oil. When cut, these hams and shoulders are red and shiny due to the high fat content, which also gives it juiciness and a smooth texture. The taste is very aromatic with complex nutty and woody aromas and sweet undertones that complement the savory flavors.
THE BEST Jamón de Teruel Jamones
Jamones Castelfrío
Jamón de Teruel DOP Perfecto
Premios Alimentos de España - Mejor Jamón Serrano de España 2024
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Best European Jamón Producers
Señorío de Montanera is a leading producer of 100% Iberian products from acorn-fed pigs, holding the prestigious Protected Designation of Origin (D. O.P.) Dehesa de Extremadura. Founded in 1995 by a group of traditional Iberian pig breeders in Extremadura, Spain, the company is dedicated to preserving the purity of the Iberian breed and ensuring the sustainability of the dehesa ecosystem.
The company manages over 60,000 hectares of dehesa, where pigs roam freely and feed exclusively on acorns and natural pastures during the "montanera" season (from October to March). This feeding method contributes to the unique flavor and exceptional quality of their products.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2023
BEST Señorío de Montanera Meat Products
Jamones Juan Manuel is a prestigious company in the Iberian ham industry, located in Guijuelo, Salamanca, Spain. With over 90 years of experience, they have mastered the art of producing high-quality Iberian hams. Their dedication to traditional curing methods has earned them recognition, including the Best Acorn-Fed Iberian Ham award in both 2020 and 2024 by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food.
Their product range includes various grades of Iberian hams, such as 100% pure acorn-fed, 75% pure acorn-fed, 50% pure acorn-fed, and free-range Iberian hams. Each product reflects their commitment to quality and tradition.
BEST Jamones Juan Manuel Meat Products
Maldonado Ibéricos is a distinguished Spanish producer specializing in premium Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico. Founded in 1992 by Manuel Maldonado and his father, Sabas Maldonado, the company is based in Alburquerque, Badajoz—a region celebrated for its rich Iberian heritage.
Their mission is to showcase the authenticity of Iberian products through artisanal methods. The Maldonado family is dedicated to preserving the purebred Iberian pig lineage. Their pigs are raised extensively in the dehesa, a unique ecosystem where they roam freely and feed on acorns, grasses, roots, and tubers.
BEST Maldonado Ibéricos Meat Products
Dehesa Maladúa is a distinguished Spanish producer renowned for its premium Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, particularly the exclusive Manchado de Jabugo variety. Founded by Eduardo Donato in 1989, the company is situated in the UNESCO-protected Parque Natural de la Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche in Huelva, Andalusia.
This pristine environment provides an ideal setting for raising 100% purebred Iberian pigs under certified organic practices. The Manchado de Jabugo is a rare Iberian pig breed, once on the brink of extinction. Donato's dedication to preserving this lineage has been pivotal in its revival.
BEST Dehesa de Maladúa Meat Products
Jamones Eíriz is a company that specializes in the production of high-quality dry-cured ham. Based in Spain, this producer follows traditional methods for curing ham, emphasizing the use of natural resources and sustainable practices. They are known for their acorn-fed Iberian hams, which are aged in natural cellars.
Jamones Eíriz offers guided tours of their facilities, providing an educational experience about the ham curing process.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2022, 2021
BEST Jamones Eíriz Meat Products
Juan Pedro Domecq is a producer of 100% Iberian acorn-fed ham, with a legacy that spans five generations. The family-owned business has expanded its presence globally, reaching markets across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Their products are known for exceptional quality, winning several prestigious awards such as the Great Taste Award.
They are committed to preserving traditional methods of production while continuing to grow and innovate in the gourmet food industry.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2022
BEST Juan Pedro Domecq Meat Products
Monte Nevado is a distinguished Spanish ham producer with a legacy dating back to 1898. Headquartered in Carbonero el Mayor, Segovia, the company has honed its craft over four generations, specializing in the meticulous curing of premium hams. Renowned for their commitment to quality, Monte Nevado offers a diverse range of hams, including: Iberian Grain-Fed Ham (50% Ibérico Breed), Original Mangalica Ham and Serrano Ham.
Monte Nevado's products are 100% natural, free from additives and preservatives, reflecting their dedication to ecological production and animal welfare.
BEST Monte Nevado Meat Products
FISAN is a distinguished Spanish producer specializing in premium Iberico Bellota ham and other Iberico pork products. Founded in 1920, this family-owned company is located in Guijuelo, Salamanca, a region renowned for its ideal conditions for curing Iberico hams.
The company's commitment to quality begins in the dehesa—the traditional Iberian pasturelands—where they meticulously select Iberico pigs. These pigs roam freely, feeding on acorns and natural grasses, which imparts a unique flavor and texture to the meat.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024
BEST FISAN Meat Products
Jamones Aljomar S. A. is a family-owned Spanish company established in 1989 by Don Alfonso Sánchez Bernal and his wife, Doña María del Carmen Sánchez Álvarez. Located in Guijuelo, Salamanca, the company specializes in producing high-quality Iberian pork products, including hams, sausages, and fresh meats.
Their commitment to quality is evident through their vertical integration, overseeing every production stage from their own farms and feed production to slaughterhouses and processing facilities. This comprehensive approach ensures traceability and consistency across their product range.
BEST Jamones Aljomar Meat Products
Embutidos Morato is a family-owned company based in Los Santos de Maimona, in the province of Badajoz, Spain, with a tradition spanning over 80 years in producing high-quality Iberian hams and sausages. Established in the early 20th century by Félix Morato in Cumbres Mayores, the company has passed down its knowledge and skills through generations, leading to the opening of its first family-owned ham facility in 1934.
Over the years, Embutidos Morato has continued to grow and modernize its production capabilities while maintaining a commitment to traditional methods and quality. The company specializes in the production of Iberian hams and sausages, including longaniza, chorizo, and salchichón, using meat from pigs raised in the Extremaduran dehesa.
BEST Embutidos Morato Meat Products
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Best European Jamones
Jamones Juan Manuel is a prestigious Spanish company located in Guijuelo, Salamanca, and their flagship product, the Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico Juan Manuel, is crafted from free-range, purebred Iberian pigs. These pigs roam freely in pastures and are fed on acorns and rich herbs, which impart distinctive flavors to the meat.
The hams undergo a meticulous curing process lasting over 36 months in natural drying sheds and cellars, resulting in a product with a delicate texture and rich, nuanced taste.
This exceptional jamón is crafted from purebred Iberian pigs that roam freely in the dehesas, feeding on acorns during the montanera season. The hams undergo a natural curing process ranging from 36 to 48 months, resulting in a product weighing approximately 8 kilograms.
In 2022, this jamón was honored with the title of "Best Iberian Ham in Spain" at the Alimentos de España awards, organized by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food. Notably, it is the only ham recommended by esteemed chef Martín Berasategui, who holds 12 Michelin stars.
Jamón Joselito Gran Reserva is a distinguished Spanish ham produced by Joselito, a family-owned company with over a century of expertise in crafting premium Iberian hams. Renowned for its exceptional quality, this ham is celebrated for its rich flavor, delicate texture, and meticulous production process.
Joselito adheres to traditional methods, ensuring their hams are free from additives and preservatives. The curing process spans approximately 70 months, allowing the ham to develop its characteristic depth of flavor. The Gran Reserva Bellota ham is derived from free-range, acorn-fed Iberian pigs.
The Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico from Maldonado is crafted from purebred Iberian pigs that roam freely over extensive pastures, with each animal allocated approximately 5 acres of land. During the montanera season, these pigs feast exclusively on acorns, which imparts a unique flavor and texture to the meat.
The hams undergo a meticulous curing process, lasting a minimum of 42 months, allowing for the development of complex, sweet, and delicate flavors with a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Señorío de Montanera is a distinguished Spanish producer specializing in Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico, certified under the prestigious Denominación de Origen Protegida (D. O.P.) Dehesa de Extremadura. This certification ensures adherence to stringent quality standards and authentic production methods.
Their hams are crafted from purebred Iberian pigs, raised freely in the expansive dehesas of Extremadura. During the montanera season, these pigs forage on acorns and natural pastures, resulting in meat rich in oleic acid. This diet imparts a distinctive marbling and a profound, nuanced flavor to the ham.
Dehesa Maladúa is a distinguished Spanish producer renowned for its exceptional Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico, particularly the rare Manchado de Jabugo variety. This unique breed, characterized by distinctive dark spots on its skin, was on the brink of extinction until Eduardo Donato, the visionary founder of Dehesa Maladúa, dedicated himself to its preservation.
The exclusivity of the Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico Manchado de Jabugo is evident, with production limited to approximately 100 pieces annually. Each ham is priced around €4.100, reflecting its rarity and the intensive care involved in its production.
Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico Alta Expresión is a premium dry-cured ham made from purebred Ibérico pigs that roam freely and feed exclusively on acorns in the forests. This product is the result of a carefully controlled salting and long curing process, which gives it a unique flavor and aroma.
The ingredients include Ibérico pork ham, sea salt, and preservatives (sodium nitrite and potassium nitrate). This product is gluten-free and meets the standards of the new Ibérico regulation.
AWARDS
Superior Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024, 2021
Jamón de Bellota 100 % Ibérico is a premium quality Spanish ham produced by Jamones Eíriz. This exceptional ham comes from purebred Ibérico pigs that are raised in the lush pastures of the Jabugo region in Spain, renowned for its ideal climatic conditions.
The pigs are acorn-fed (bellota) during the montanera season, which lasts from October to February, contributing to the ham's rich, nutty flavor and marbled texture. The curing process for this ham is meticulous and traditionally spans three to four years, allowing the flavors to develop fully and achieve an unparalleled depth.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
Monte Nevado is a renowned Spanish producer specializing in Jamón de Bellota 100% Ibérico, offering a range of premium hams derived from purebred Iberian pigs. These pigs roam freely in the dehesa oak forests, feeding on acorns and natural pastures, which imparts a distinctive flavor and rich marbling to the meat.
The curing process extends over 36 months, allowing the development of complex flavors and a tender texture.
Julián Martín, a distinguished Spanish jamón producer based in Guijuelo, Salamanca, offers an exceptional 100% Iberico Bellota Jamón. This premium product is crafted from purebred Iberian pigs that roam freely in the dehesas, feasting on a natural diet of acorns (bellotas), herbs, and pastures during the Montanera period (October to March).
The jamón undergoes a meticulous curing process lasting a minimum of 40 months in natural cellars, resulting in a juicy, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Each slice offers an intense acorn-infused flavor, delivering a rich and aromatic experience that embodies the essence of Guijuelo's traditional craftsmanship.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 52 European Jamones” list until March 26, 2025, 1,278 ratings were recorded, of which 890 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.