What is cebo ham

What is cebo ham

Ham lovers know that it is a product with an authentic flavor. And the truth is that each type of ham has some peculiarities that give it a unique flavor. For this reason, when buy ham online you may hesitate to choose the best Spanish product. Now, there is a type of ham whose flavor is irresistible, the Iberian ham, the richest and most expensive of the hams. But… have you ever heard of cebo ham?

In this post we will tell you about the characteristics of this delicacy as incredible as acorn-fed Iberian ham, but much cheaper.

Cebo ham, a quality product

Cebo ham comes from the Iberian pig whose diet is based solely on feed. That's where its name comes from, since pigs that are fed in this way are called fattened pigs.

Iberian pigs are a breed native to the Iberian Peninsula, famous for offering the best hams in the world, as you well know.

Depending on the type of food that the Iberian pigs receive, they result in a specific type of ham. And we are going to explain what they are:

Iberico de cebo: as we have already mentioned, this ham comes from adult pigs fed with feed. And specifically, its hind legs. They don't eat acorns and they don't do the montanera either, which is the season in which the cattle graze on mountains and meadows to feed on acorns or beechnuts.
As for its labeling, it is awarded the white seal.

Ibérico de bellota: it is the ham that is obtained from Iberian pigs whose food is produced in the pastures with acorn trees, such as oaks and holm oaks, and other foods of nature.
Due to the exercise that the cattle do in the fields and in the mountains and the diet based on acorns, this species of pig, the Iberian pig, has an incomparable capacity with other species to produce fat in its muscles. Especially in its hind legs, through which an oily ham with magnificent aromas is obtained.

When identifying acorn-fed Iberian ham, it is given a black or red label, which guarantees high quality.

Iberico de campo: these pigs, previously known as recebo, feed on natural pastures, herbs and feed. Acorns are not included in their diet, unless the rancher's production has been abundant and a certain amount of acorns is included in this type of cattle.
In this case, the product is labeled with the color green.

Characteristics of cured ham

Cebo hams are produced from pigs raised on farms in which they are fed cereal and legume feed. Depending on the livestock, on some occasions they can also feed on some herbs from the field.

In addition to its diet, to classify a cebo ham it is necessary to analyze its upbringing. In this case, it must be entirely of the Iberian breed, but they can also be 75% or 50% crossed with pigs of another breed, such as the Duroc. Which will depend on whether their parents are 100% Iberian or if the cross has occurred.

The quality of the cebo ham will depend, as is logical, on its production processes. And it will be the curing time and the weight of the piece that determine its final price. Iberico de cebo ham takes between 15 and 36 months to cure and the piece can weigh more than 7 kg.

For this reason, the price of this type of product can range between 125 and 230 euros, which is much cheaper than acorn-fed Iberian ham. For people who cannot afford a large outlay, but still want to have the opportunity to enjoy a great taste, the Iberico de cebo pork is the best alternative.

Give a special touch to your recipes with Iberian bait ham

We know that the best way to enjoy cebo ham is as it is, cut up and on the palate. But the good thing about our gastronomy is that there are a thousand and one ways to enjoy Spanish hams and sausages with incredible recipes.

For example, if you like beef cachopos, pan tumaca, ropa vieja, scrambled eggs or melon with ham, think about giving these incredible dishes a special touch with Iberian ham. Just thinking about it… makes your mouth water. How not!

At Your Spanish Shop we have a wide range so that you can choose the best product through our online store. And if you already know what cured ham is… What are you waiting for to bring joy to the body with the best of flavors at irresistible prices?

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