Why is Jámon Iberico from La Alberca so heavenly?

We love our ham. From succulent Italian prosciutti to intense serranos, a perfect ribbon of artisan cured meat is what we call heaven. But nothing can beat the flavor of the famed Jámon Iberico

For years, it was illegal to import it. Food lovers in the U.S. dreamed about travelling to Spain to smuggle some home – perhaps tucked in with the bottle of absinthe they were hoping to get past customs. 

Those contraband dreams are now a thing of the past because Liberty Heights Fresh is proud to offer Utah the prized Jámon Iberico Ham. 

Why the big deal? It’s because of the folks at La Alberca farm. This family run establishment near Salamanca, Spain, has been producing this coveted pork since 1986. 

The meat comes from an ancient breed of pig known as the Pata Negra. They’ve literally got some gams – their long hind quarters are the basis of Iberico. Like the famed Kobe beef, these animals get the V.I.P. treatment. La Alberca farmers have even been known to play Mozart for their animals.

True to their name, these pigs are symbols of gluttony. When the animals reach maturity, they browse free-range on wild grasses and herbs which flavor the meat. The real secret to the flavor, however, is that the pigs are allowed to gorge themselves on acorns which gives the meat a uniquely delicious taste.

Come into the store and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. Our coveted leg of Iberico will be standing in our Cheese & Charchuterie section. You can’t miss it — and you won’t want to!