Paleta de Bellota Ibérica 50% Raza Ibérica (50% Acorn-fed Iberian Shoulder)
Discover our exquisite paleta de bellota ibérica 50% raza ibérica (50% Iberian-breed acorn-fed ham shoulder), the perfect balance between intensity and texture. Sourced from free-range pigs raised in the dehesa pastures during the montanera season, this red-label ham shoulder guarantees superior quality thanks to its natural acorn-based diet.
What's more, its 50% genetic crossbreed delivers exceptional marbling, resulting in remarkably juicy meat with a rich, layered flavour after being cured carefully for at least 24 months.
Enjoy the guarantee and expertise of Enrique Tomás by choosing the option that best suits how you like to enjoy it: take home the whole piece, boneless, or in vacuum-sealed sliced packets.
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What are the characteristics of the 50% Iberico Bellota Pork Shoulder?
The 50% Iberian Breed Iberico Bellota Pork Shoulder (Paleta) by Enrique Tomás represents a perfect balance of intensity, juiciness, and accessibility. It comes from pigs with at least one 100% Iberian parent, which guarantees excellent fat infiltration and a deep, balanced flavor.
This acorn-fed shoulder offers intense nuances, a smooth texture, and a very pleasant touch of saltiness, the result of a slow and careful curing process of more than 24 months.
1.Free-range rearing and the montanera season
The pigs destined for the 50% Iberian Breed Acorn-Fed Shoulder (Paleta de Bellota Ibérica) live freely in the dehesa during the montanera, the period between October and February. During this time, they feed mainly on acorns, grasses, and natural environmental resources, while getting constant exercise. This combination of natural diet and movement is key to developing the quality of the 50% Iberian acorn-fed shoulder.
2.Marbling and intense flavour
One of the characteristics of the Iberian pig is its genetic capacity to marble fat into the muscle. In the case of the 50% Iberian acorn-fed shoulder, this translates to a juicy texture and a flavor rich in nuances. The fat melts in the mouth, providing smoothness, while the curing period enhances the aroma and intensity of the product. The result is a flavorful, balanced, and highly versatile shoulder.
3.The meaning of the red label
The red label identifies the 50% Iberian Breed Acorn-Fed Shoulder. This certification guarantees that the product comes from pigs fed on acorns during the montanera and that they have a minimum of 50% Iberian breed. It is a hallmark of quality within the universe of Iberian acorn-fed shoulders, allowing consumers to easily recognize the level of the product.
Available formats: whole, boneless, or sliced
At Enrique Tomás, you can find the Iberian ham shoulder in different formats depending on your convenience.
Whole shoulder, boneless, or sliced.
Frequently asked questions about our Paleta de Bellota 50% Ibérica
What is the difference between 50% and 100% bellota Iberico shoulder?
The main difference lies in the purity of the breed. The 100% Iberico bellota shoulder comes from pigs with both parents being pure Iberian, while the 50% Iberian breed Iberico Bellota shoulder comes from crosses with Duroc pigs. This influences the flavor intensity and fat infiltration: the 100% bellota tends to be more complex and deep, while the 50% Iberico offers a more balanced, smooth, and accessible profile, always maintaining the quality of an acorn-fed Iberian product.
Does the 50% Iberian breed affect the curing time of the shoulder?
The percentage of Iberian breed can indirectly influence the process, as genetics affect fat infiltration and the size of the animal. However, the curing time depends mainly on the weight of the piece, the acorn diet during the montanera, and the drying conditions. In the case of the 50% bellota Iberico shoulder, the process remains long and controlled, spending more than 24 months in the cellar to ensure an optimal result.
What is the best pairing for the 50% acorn-fed Iberico shoulder?
The 50% Iberian Breed Iberico Bellota Pork Shoulder pairs exceptionally well with our Albert Tomás red wine pairing. It also pairs perfectly with fresh white wines such as Verdejo or Albariño, and even with brut cava, which helps cleanse the palate and enhance its flavor. It is a very versatile product, ideal for different occasions.
