The types of pig breeds enrich the pig industry in Spain and offer producers options adapted to their specific needs. Depending on the type of pig, productivity, meat quality or resistance to certain environments can be differentiated.
Today, at César Nieto we are going to dig a little deeper into the types of pig breeds that exist in Spain, since we are in a sector in which the demand for pork continues to grow and the variety of breeds available plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable and diversified pig production.
Types of pig breeds in Spain
In Spain, as in many other countries, there are several types of pigs that are bred for their particular characteristics and their contribution to the pork industry. Each has its own characteristics and contributions to the country’s pork industry. The diversity of pig breeds allows producers to adapt to different environments and markets.
Iberian Pig
Spain’s most emblematic breed of pig, the Iberian pig is known for its ability to adapt to different environmental conditions and for its high quality meat and unique flavor. Within this category, there are sub-breeds such as the acorn-fed Iberian pig, fed mainly on acorns, and the feed-fed Iberian pig.
White pig
This is a native breed of Spain, known for its adaptability and hardiness. They are large sized pigs, with a good feed conversion capacity and widely used in the pork industry for meat production.
Duroc pork
Derived from the original Duroc breed, the Spanish Duroc has adapted to the specific conditions of the country. They are red or golden colored pigs, appreciated for their well marbled meat and good growth.
Landrace Pig
This breed has been adapted to Spanish conditions, both climatic and orographic. These pigs are known for their high prolificacy and ability to adapt to different environments. In addition, they have a high fertility, leaving numerous piglets.
Pietrain pig
The pietrain pig is characterized by its paint markings and high quality lean meat. They are pigs used mainly for the production of lean meat and have adapted to the breeding conditions in Spain.
César Nieto’s pork breed
At César Nieto we elaborate all our products thanks to the Iberian pig. The animal gives us one of the most emblematic products, the Iberian ham, which is distinguished by its rich and complex flavor, its marbled texture and its characteristic aroma.
The production process of Iberian ham is long and meticulous, involving salting, washing, air-drying and, in many cases, a curing period that can last several years. During this time, the fat infiltrated in the pig’s muscle decomposes, which contributes to the juiciness and flavor of the ham.
In addition to Iberian ham, other popular products derived from the Iberian pig that we carry in our César Nieto store include Iberian whole leg, Iberian loin, Iberian chorizo, Iberian salchichón, Iberian prey, Iberian feather, Iberian lizard or Iberian sirloin.
These products derived from the Iberian pig are highly appreciated and also enjoy international recognition due to their distinctive quality and flavor, making the Iberian pig an icon of Spanish gastronomy. You can find all of them at César Nieto Group, come and visit us!
