When buying an Iberian ham, an excellent way to choose a good one without fear of making a mistake is to opt for one with a Denomination of Origin (D.O.). César Nieto Iberian hams are included in the Guijuelo Denomination of Origin, and although it is well known that this certification is a guarantee of product quality, few really know what we are talking about when we refer to this certification. Here we tell you all about it!

An Appellation of Origin is a classification used to legally protect certain agricultural products and foodstuffs linked to a specific geographical area and to the traditional methods used in their production. This certification assures us that the products have specific quality standards and characteristics and is granted by organizations and entities in charge of certifying these conditions and setting the standards according to the type of product.

In the case of Iberian ham, current legislation establishes that there are four Denominations of Origin for Iberian pork in Spain, the oldest of which is that of Guijuelo, created in 1986 under the impetus of César Nieto and other businessmen in the area.

This D.O. is associated with the municipality of Guijuelo, in the province of Salamanca and is linked to this geographical area in two ways. On the one hand, through the breeding of Iberian animals in the delimited regions that make up the production area and, on the other hand, through the production of hams and shoulders in a specific processing area.

Thus, the pig production area of the Guijuelo D.O. includes several regions rich in oak and cork oak pastures located in Castilla y León, Extremadura, Andalusia and Castilla-La Mancha.

The production area is much more restricted, as it is related to tradition and particular climatic conditions (low rainfall, mild ambient temperatures, high wind regime due to the peneplain between two mountain systems, etc.) that have led to the existence of a highly specialized pork industry specialized in Iberian pork products. The area where the hams are slaughtered, cured and matured is located in the southeast of the province of Salamanca, at an altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level. Sheltered by the Central System, the privileged microclimate of the region, with its cold and dry winters and mild and short summers, allows for perfect drying and maturation of the hams. Along with Guijuelo, the production area is completed by the municipalities of Ledrada, Campillo de Salvatierra, Béjar, Aldeavieja de Tormes, Frades de la Sierra, Miranda del Castañar, Palomares de Béjar, Puerto de Béjar, and Tamames.

GUIJUELO IBERIAN HAM, A GUARANTEE OF QUALITY

When launching an Appellation of Origin, a series of product conditions must be specified, such as the name, the description of its fundamental characteristics and the delimitation of the geographical area. In addition, it must be demonstrated that the Iberian ham has specific quality standards, and in this regard, the Guijuelo D.O. is the only appellation that analyzes the pieces using the stable isotope technique at the beginning of the curing process. The result of this analysis makes it possible to qualify or disqualify the products.

In general, the hams and shoulders protected by the D.O. Guijuelo are elongated and stylized, are shaped and keep the hoof. The minimum weight is 4.5 kg for hams and 3.5 kg for shoulders. Its consistency is firm in the muscular masses and slightly unctuous and depressible in the adipose tissue areas. Externally, the mycotic flora is white, bluish-gray, dark or violet in color. When cut, it appears pink to purplish red in color, with a shiny appearance and streaks of adipose tissue and fat infiltrating the muscle mass. The meat has a delicate, sweet or slightly salty flavor, low fibrous consistency and high friability. The aroma is pleasant and characteristic. The fat is unctuous, depending on the percentage of acorn feeding, with a bright yellowish-white color, aromatic and pleasant flavor, not rancid.

Hams with D.O. Guijuelo have a certification seal, through which we can identify the category of the ham or shoulder. In addition, they carry the brand’s label with the corresponding information (ingredients, the brand name of the dryer or winery and the type of ham, both feed and breed). The vitolas of the Guijuelo D.O. bear the yellow and red seal that identifies the ham and also incorporate the colors of the standard.

The Guijuelo Denomination of Origin certification is a guarantee of quality that ensures that the products have a certain composition and that they have been cured and processed with very specific characteristics. Therefore, when choosing a Bellota product, do not gamble and choose those with this certification, such as our César Nieto Bellota products. You can find our D.O. Guijuelo certified hams and shoulders in our online store.