Carving slices from a whole bone-in paleta is the way to taste acorn-fed Ibérico de Bellota shoulder at its finest. Paper thin slices are meltingly delicious with a flavor that is rich and complex. Mount this Montaraz UNICO Bellota paleta in a ham holder and enjoy slices of this extraordinary ham any time you like.

During the ‘montanera’ season, when the oak trees yield lots of sweet acorns, Ibérico pigs destined for the bellota designation wander the dehesa countryside. Each animal is allowed over two acres to forage for sweet acorns, or bellotas. This rich diet and plentiful exercise infuse the ham with beneficial fats.

Because the paleta (front shoulder) is smaller than a ham, it cures more quickly than a larger jamón (about a year vs. two to four years for a ham). While the flavor is exceptional, it can be slightly more difficult to carve than the jamón (back leg). The ultimate of flavor is a longer aged whole jamón.

Montaraz has aged fine Ibérico hams and paletas since 1890, and four generations of family expertise goes into curing each jamón. Their hams are made using only 100% pure-breed, acorn-fed Ibérico pigs. Montaraz is part of the DOP Extremadura, a denomination of origin much like a wine appellation. Each step of the process is inspected by an independent organization to ensure the finest quality.

Place your Paleta Ibérico de Bellota in a ham holder so that you can slice it properly and safely, and bring to room temperature before slicing.

For storage and slicing instructions for whole hams, see this page.

NOTE: Hoof has been removed to conform to USDA standards.