Belloterra Hand Carved 100% Bellota Iberico Pork Shoulder, 80g

Belloterra 100% Bellota Hand Carved Iberico Pork Shoulder is a 24-month cured paleta from pure-bred Iberian pigs, certified by the Los Pedroches Protected Designation of Origin in northern Córdoba. The pigs roam freely through the heart of Los Pedroches - one of the best-preserved holm oak dehesas in the world - and spend the autumn and winter montanera fattening on fallen acorns and wild grasses alone. All that foraging shows in the meat: deep red, finely marbled with fat that melts on the tongue, with a sweet, nutty flavour and a long, elegant finish.

Shoulder comes from the front leg, so it’s smaller than a jamón and carries a little more fat through the meat, which gives it a slightly richer, more savoury intensity. It’s at its best served simply. Lay the slices loosely on a plate, let them come up to room temperature until the fat turns glossy and translucent, then eat with crusty bread, a few Marcona almonds and a glass of chilled fino. It also makes an impressive starter draped over ripe melon or fresh figs.

Why we love it:

• 100% Bellota Iberian breed and acorn-fed - the highest grade of Iberico, sold under the black label in Spain
  
• Raised free-range in the Los Pedroches dehesa, an ancient holm oak pasture where the pigs forage as they always have
  
• Protected by the Los Pedroches D.O., which certifies breed, diet and curing at every stage
  
• Slowly cured for 24 months for sweet, nutty depth and a creamy, melt-in-the-mouth texture
  
• Hand carved into fine slices and packed in a round tray, so there’s no ham stand or carving knife needed

How to use:

• Ensure product is at room temperature, then 15 minutes before serving, open it and leave the slices to breathe for a few minutes before separating them gently onto a plate
• Traditionally eaten on it's own, perhaps with a few almonds, some pan con tomate and it's heavenly with a very cold fino. 

More information:

• Belloterra cures hams and shoulders in Córdoba province from Iberian pigs raised in the Los Pedroches dehesa
  
• 80g round tray of hand-carved slices - serves four as part of a tapa
  
• Gluten-free and dairy-free; not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
  
• Store in a cool and dry place. Once opened, refridgerate and eat within 5 days, covering any leftover slices well so they don’t dry out
• Allergens: none
  
• Ingredients: Bellota 100% Iberico pork shoulder D.O. Los Pedroches, sea salt