This is a paleta (front leg or shoulder, approximately 4.5 Kg) of Cebo Iberico ham (- 50% Iberian breed, GREEN label). This is the non-acorn fed variety of Iberico ham, this is field bait. A paleta is a perfect alternative to a full-leg of ham for those who want the real experience of carving ham from the bone, but for whom a full 7 Kg leg is too much meat.

Let's break down the characteristics of this ham:

Paleta

The front leg of the pig (some people say shoulder). The main difference between a front leg and the more common hind leg is chiefly size, with paletas weighing 4-5 Kg and full ham legs closer to 7 Kg.

Iberico

An 'Iberico' ham is fundamentally different from a 'Serrano' ham because the pig used is a different race - 50% Iberian breed pig, GREEN label. The properties of the meat produced by this pig are what gives Iberico ham it's highly sought-after characteristics: a richer, darker colour; a stronger, more complex flavour; fine veins of delicate fat running through the meat etc.

Cebo

This is the non-acorn fed variety of Iberico ham, this is field bait. Whilst the difference in price is enormous, the actual difference in flavour is not so massive. The main flavour components come from the fact that this is still an Iberico pig, which is common to both 'bellota' and 'cebo' varieties. The 'cebo' lacks the slight fruity/nutty edge which raises the 'bellota' to caviar status (and price). If you're new to Iberico hams, this is what we'd recommend as a starting point.

Guijelo

A town in the surrounding area in Salamanca, famous for the production of Iberico meats.