Ibérico Pork: What Is It & What Are the Cuts?

Ibérico Pork: A True Culinary Masterpiece

Looking for a delicious cut of meat to add some flair to your cooking or charcuterie boards? Ibérico pork is a rare, exquisite delicacy that adds unparalleled flavor and texture, sourced from Spain’s finest pigs.

What Is Ibérico Pork?

Ibérico pork comes from the Spanish Black Ibérico pig, renowned for centuries as one of Spain's most traditional and premium breeds. The finest cuts of Ibérico pork are sourced from entirely purebred and acorn-fed Ibérico pigs, raised in the picturesque Valle de los Pedroches in Andalusia.

What makes Ibérico pork truly exceptional is its complex flavor profile, with a perfect balance of sweetness, floral, and nutty undertones. This special taste comes from the marbling of fat, which is infused with the flavors of the acorns the pigs consume.

It’s sweet, earthy, and rich in flavor, thanks to the natural acorn diet. But don’t be mistaken, this delicacy does come with a premium price tag—however, many chefs and food enthusiasts would argue that it’s worth every penny.

What Are the Different Ibérico Pork Cuts?

Ibérico pork is celebrated for its rich flavor and tender texture. Each cut offers something unique to both chefs and food lovers:

• Carrilleras (The Cheeks): Ibérico pork cheeks are perfect for slow braising, offering a tender and flavorful dish when cooked with wine and tomato sauce.
• Costillas (The Ribs): Ibérico ribs are delicately marbled, offering a tender and flavorful bite, much more delicate than your average pork ribs.
• Paleta (The Shoulder): A highly sought-after cut, paleta ibérica is a dry-cured ham with rich, intense flavors, perfect for tapas or charcuterie boards.
• Presa (The Over-Shoulder): A thick, juicy cut from the upper shoulder, presa offers incredible flavor, often considered one of the best cuts for grilling.
• Secreto (Behind the Shoulder): A hidden gem of Ibérico pork, secreto is a tender cut that has a juicy and buttery texture, similar to skirt steak. Perfect for grilling or pan-searing.
• Solomillo (The Tenderloin): Ibérico tenderloin is the leanest cut, known for its smooth texture and versatility. It’s ideal for grilling, pan-searing, or roasting.

Discover the Ibérico Experience

At Nicola’s Marketplace, we offer a range of Ibérico cuts, each one handpicked and carefully sourced for its exceptional quality. Whether you’re creating a gourmet meal or curating a luxurious charcuterie board, our Ibérico meats will elevate any dish to new heights.

Shop our selection of Ibérico pork today and experience the rich, savory flavors of Spain with every bite.