Do you know what you’re buying? Sierra de Azuaga deciphers the color code of Iberian ham

Buying a good Iberian ham does not have to be complicated or excessively expensive. Black, red, green or white label, each one indicates a type of category.

Choosing an Ibérico ham can raise questions due to the different labels available on the market. The black, red, green and white labels are not simply a matter of appearance; they identify different categories based on the pig’s diet and breed. Sierra de Azuaga explains what each label means, helping consumers better understand what lies behind each ham and choose the option that best suits their tastes and budget.

How to choose the best possible piece?

The professionals at Sierra de Azuaga, experts in Iberian ham, share some simple guidelines to understand what ham we are buying.

For the average consumer, not accustomed to distinguishing one piece from another, the key is not to analyze the shape of the hoof, the shine of the rind or the weight of the ham. The secret to knowing at a quick glance which ham you are buying is in the color of the label (the vitola).

Four colors, four ways to enjoy Iberian ham

The vitola that appears at the top of the piece does not have a merely decorative function. Its color determines two fundamental aspects when purchasing: the percentage of purity of the Iberian breed of the animal and the type of food it has received.

• Black: 100% Iberian acorn. It is the most exclusive category. It comes from a pure Iberian breed animal that has spent its last months in the pasture, feeding exclusively on acorns and grass during the montanera. It is distinguished by a very unctuous fat and an intense and persistent flavor.
• Red: Iberian acorn. It shares the same feeding system as the previous category, but corresponds to crossed animals, with 50 or 75% of the Iberian breed. It preserves the character of the acorn with a somewhat more accessible profile.
• Green: Iberian field bait. The animals are fed feed, but are raised outdoors, with a minimum space of 100 m² per head. They can be 50, 75 or 100% Iberian, and that percentage appears on the label. It offers an excellent relationship between quality and price.
• White: Iberian bait. These are animals fed with feed and raised on farms. They can also be 50, 75 or 100% Iberian. It is the most affordable and versatile option for regular consumption.

A tip before checking out

The vitola is the starting point, but not the only data that deserves attention. The flange that surrounds the leg must match the color of the label and guarantees the traceability of the piece. The Protected Designation of Origin seals also provide information, which certify the breeding and processing area.

Another category is gaining more and more weight: that of seals that measure environmental impact. Sierra de Azuaga has the distinctive "Zero Emissions Product" endorsed by AENOR, which certifies that it has calculated the carbon footprint of its Iberian products from origin to table, has reduced it with renewable energy and hardwood plantations, and has offset the rest with certified environmental projects.
 

Betting on brands with a track record and proven quality that also take care of the impact of their activity is a way to enjoy the best ham knowing that there is also a commitment behind it.