Ibérico Pork meat has an incredibly smooth, nutty flavor that puts it above any other pork you’ve ever had. Maybe you’re looking to get into some of this good living, but now you’re wondering just how much good living you can handle.
Is Iberico Pork Healthy?
Luckily, Iberico is quite healthy for you! Acorn-fed Iberico pigs are left to walk and graze, developing natural muscle along with fat. The uniqueness of Iberico lies within those layers of fat: a fat that’s healthy, full of oleic acid, which is known for lowering bad cholesterol and increases the good kind. Iberico pork meat is also high in beneficial nutrients like calcium, protein, iron, sodium, and even a wealth of vitamins B – including the super healthful B6 and B12.
The wonderful fat of acorn-fed Iberico pork!
This is a superb ingredient, blessed both by its inherent nature and the conditions it’s reared in.
Pork Iberico Nutrition
There’s a reason why Ibérico Ham is so delicious: it has quite a bit of fat. The acorn-heavy diet the pork receives gives the meat its delicious flavor, but also fattens them up.
Luckily, it is monosaturated fat (as opposed to trans-unsaturated fat, or trans-fat), which is a part of any healthy diet and has shown to have significant health benefits when consumed in moderation.
Need more proof? Here's some hard science for you: a recent study from the Ramon y Cajal Hospital of Madrid, published in The Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging concluded that a diet of 1.7 ounces a day of Ibérico Ham resulted in noticeable improvements in cardiovascular health. A nutritional analysis performed by the University of Extremadura also praised the ham’s “high protein content” and its usefulness as a source of iron, potassium, and phosphorous.
Just like a premium chocolate or a fine wine, Ibérico Pork in moderation, is likely healthier than many things you have in your fridge right now, especially your store-bought ham!
Of course, this requires that you get your product from reputable sources that follow the industry’s best practices. At Gourmet Food Store we get our Ibérico Pork from some of Spain’s most prominent “mataderos”, including Embutidos Fermin , Vallehermoso , and Finca Helechal. With over 50 years in the industry, you can trust that you are getting some of the highest quality pork that Spain can offer.
Ready to try your hand at cooking Iberico Pork? Browse our chef-designed Iberico Pork Recipes!
FAQs
Ibérico ham, in particular, is extremely high in protein and minerals, as well as Vitamins B and E. It is also highly digestible, making its nutritional content more accessible to the body. Ibérico ham is high in protein and healthy fats.
Is Iberico pork worth it? ›
Since it is of such high quality, you also need to know that the price is high as well. The marble pattern gives it its juiciness and just the right amount of grease giving you a lightweight and perfect piece of meat. Despite its high price though, it's still very popular and enjoyed by people all over the world.
Is Iberico pork fatty? ›
Please note that Iberian pork has a very high fat content, even compared to our pastured pork. Many of these cuts have a substantial amount of fat still attached, which is intentional. Cooked low and slow, the fat is the best part of Iberico pork!
How healthy is Iberico ham? ›
Jamón ibérico has proteins, minerals and is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, therefore, its controlled consumption is beneficial for our body. Moderate and regular consumption of Jamón, especially if it is acorn-fed (Jamón de Bellota ibérico), has a positive effect on overall cardiovascular risk.
Is Jamón Ibérico bad for cholesterol? ›
The fat of "jamon iberico de bellota" contains over 55% oleic acid (a mono-unsaturated fatty acid). Rigorous scientific studies have shown that these fats exercise a beneficial effect on cholesterol in the blood by increasing the amount of good (HDL) cholesterol and reducing bad (LDL) cholesterol.
What is the healthiest pork to eat? ›
If you're looking for the healthiest pork options, you want lean cuts -- tenderloin, loin chops and sirloin roast. Bacon and other fatty cuts are very high in artery-clogging saturated fat and cholesterol and not for everyday eating.
Does Iberico pork have trichinosis? ›
The main reason for this unfortunate habit is a fear of a certain parasite called trichinosis that can be found on wild game meat or pork if not properly raised and processed. But we're here to tell you that there's nothing to fear, especially when it comes to high-quality Ibérico.
Is all Iberico pork acorn fed? ›
Not all Iberico pork on the market is acorn fed, but Iberico that is represents the finest quality available. Despite being called “acorn fed” in English, what this actually means is “Acorn Finished” – all Bellota pigs graze on grass, forage, and other things in their pastures (dehesas) until acorn season.
Why is Iberico pork so expensive? ›
Ibérico pigs are slow-growth animals. Because they're not fed hormones or fattened up on industrial corn, it takes them longer to achieve ideal slaughter weight. In most cases, it takes Iberian pigs double the time that it takes industrial pigs to grow.
What makes Iberico pork so special? ›
Iberico Pork comes from the distinctive Black Iberian Pig. Native to areas of Portugal and central and southern Spain, the pigs' diet of acorns and elements of the natural forests in these areas impacts the meat directly, giving it a nutty, evocative flavour.
People joke that even vegetarians in Spain eat jamón. Eating authentic jamón ibérico de bellota, a cured ham made from free-range pigs fed on acorns, is a key part of Spanish life, especially in the south. But jamón ibérico is a treat observant Muslims — who don't eat pork for religious reasons — can't enjoy.
Can you get Iberico pork in the US? ›
Iberian pigs are known for their tasty and healthy high-oleic fat. They are sometimes called “olive trees on legs.” Until recently, these pigs were not grown in the U.S. Now you can have this healthy and delicious pork shipped directly from our multi-generation family farm to your door.
Why is Iberico ham illegal in the US? ›
The long-term prohibition on import of Spanish pork products is traceable to incidences in Spain of African swine fever, which could infect domestic pigs.
Is Iberico pork healthy for cholesterol? ›
Acorn-fed Iberico pigs are left to walk and graze, developing natural muscle along with fat. The uniqueness of Iberico lies within those layers of fat: a fat that's healthy, full of oleic acid, which is known for lowering bad cholesterol and increases the good kind.
Is Jamón Ibérico the best? ›
Though Jamón Serrano and Jamón Ibérico are still fantastic Spanish products, the Jamón 100% Ibérico Bellota (Pata Negra) has unmatchable quality, flavor, and texture. You'll notice a distinct marbling and a creamy rim of ivory white fat that glistens as it comes up to room temperature.
What is the healthiest breed of pork? ›
The Ossabaw is a unique breed of pig that offers a dark red meat and is known for having the healthiest fat. This fat content and red meat combination make for the charcuterie.
Is it safe to eat Iberico pork rare? ›
How should Iberico pork be cooked? Iberico pork is different to other breeds of pork, and can be cooked medium rare, like steak. This keeps the meat tender while also allowing the fat to melt. Cured Iberico pork does not need to be cooked before eating.
