PIG'S HOOVES AND THEIR MEANING
- Armando´s European Food
- Feb 9
- 2 min read
The color of the Iberian pig's hooves, commonly known as "pata negra" (black hoof), is a traditional indicator often associated with the quality of Iberian ham. So much so, that saying "pata negra ham" is synonymous with ham of the highest quality.
The hoof can reveal more information than we might imagine. In high-quality hams, you will notice a fine, narrow, and sleek hoof, which indicates the purity of the breed. This distinctive feature not only highlights the product's quality but also differentiates it from inferior varieties of ham available on the market. Attention to detail in selecting the raw material is crucial for ensuring an exceptional ham.
A worn hoof, characteristic of our hams, indicates that the animal has been active. This means the pig has roamed and enjoyed the dehesa, taking long walks across the field, which is essential not only for the animal's well-being but also because an active pig more efficiently absorbs the properties of the acorn, its main food, which accounts for 75% to 100% of the diet of Iberian acorn-fed pigs. An unworn hoof is a sign that the animal has been raised intensively and is usually associated with cebo ham.
Experts argue that the black color of the pig's hoof is not a definitive indicator of it coming from an Iberian pig. In fact, black hooves are not exclusive to this breed, and not all Iberian pigs have them. However, if the hoof is black and the ham shows other characteristics, such as yellowish external fat and meat that sinks easily when pressed, it is very likely that you are dealing with acorn-fed ham. These signs are key to identifying the superior quality of this product.
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