When a customer buys an Iberian Spanish ham, they are not just purchasing a gourmet product, but also embracing a centuries-old tradition that involves quality, traceability, and commitment. But how can one be sure that the ham truly meets the expected quality standards? The answer lies in the certification of Iberian ham and the strict controls it undergoes from the very beginning. At Jamón Pasión, we are committed to offering only certified Iberian hams, ensuring trust and authenticity in every piece.
What does it mean for an Iberian ham to be certified?
A certified Iberico ham is one that has passed a series of official checks established by the Iberian Quality Standard (Royal Decree 4/2014), supervised by authorized independent entities. This certification guarantees that the ham meets all requirements related to the breed of the animal, its feeding, its management, and the minimum curing times.
Certification not only brings transparency to the process but also protects the consumer from fraud or misleading labeling. It is the most reliable way to ensure that a 100% acorn-fed Iberian ham, for instance, truly is what it claims to be and not a lower-category product sold under false pretenses.
Colored labels: the seal system that says it all
One of the most effective ways to verify the authenticity of an Iberian ham is the colored seal that must be present on every certified piece. These seals, regulated by ASICI (the Interprofessional Association of the Iberian Pig), indicate the category of Iberian ham based on the pig’s diet and breed:
- Black seal: 100% acorn-fed Iberian ham (pure breed, free-range acorn diet). Also known as Pata Negra Ham.
- Red seal: acorn-fed Iberian ham (crossbred with Duroc, also acorn-fed). These are typically 50% or 75% Iberian breed.
- Green seal: field-fed Iberian ham ("cebo de campo ham", mixed diet in free range). Can be 100% Iberian or crossbred.
- White seal: grain-fed Iberian ham ("cebo ham", raised on controlled feed in farms). Can be 100% Iberian or crossbred.
Most commonly sold Cebo de Campo and Cebo Spanish Hams are 50% Iberian breed.
Each seal includes a unique, verifiable code, adding an unmatched level of traceability and confidence for the consumer.
There is even an official ASICI app you can download to your phone (Only in Spanish version). You simply enter the certification number shown on the seal or scan its barcode to access full information about the ham you’ve purchased.
Quality controls: from farm to curing cellar
The quality control process begins long before the ham reaches your table. From breeding, feeding, and the pig’s living conditions to curing times, everything is regulated and monitored by independent certification bodies.
- On the farm or in the dehesa: diet, animal density per hectare, and animal welfare are all monitored.
- During production: inspections are conducted in curing cellars to verify that curing times and conditions comply with the official standards.
- Laboratory testing: physical and chemical analyses are performed to ensure that the ham meets the required standards.
Thanks to this meticulous control chain, when you buy a certified Iberian ham online, you get exactly what you expect no surprises.
How to identify an authentic certified Iberian ham when buying
When choosing an Iberian Spanish ham, it’s important to look for a few key indicators of authenticity:
- The official colored seal (black, red, green, or white).
- The producer’s label, clearly stating the correct product name, such as 100% acorn-fed Iberian ham or Cebo de Campo Iberian ham.
- The percentage of Iberian breed clearly marked on the label.
- The presence of official seals or traceable codes tied to the certifying body.
At Jamón Pasión, we work exclusively with certified Iberian hams whether whole leg, boneless, or sliced vacuum-packed, so customers can enjoy top-quality products with total peace of mind.
Iberian hams with P.O.D Label.: excellence with a name of its own
In addition to the official seal-based certification, some Iberco hams bear the prestigious European Protected Designation of Origin (D.O.P. in Spanish) label. This designation guarantees both the geographic origin and the traditional production method.
Among the most renowned are D.O.P. Jabugo, D.O.P. Guijuelo, D.O.P. Dehesa de Extremadura, and D.O.P. Los Pedroches, each with its own unique characteristics. Choosing an Iberian ham with D.O.P. is a guarantee of both excellence and authenticity, as these products are not only certified by standard agencies but also supervised by regional regulatory councils, which oversee the entire process from pig rearing to final labeling.
Trust, assurance, and flavor: the value of certified Iberian ham
Choosing a certified Spanish cured iberian ham means choosing maximum quality, respect for traditional production, and an unmatched gastronomic experience. Whether you’re looking for a black-seal acorn-fed ham, an Iberian pork shoulder, or a well-priced "Cebo iberico ham", certified products are always the safest and most rewarding choice.
At Jamón Pasión, we offer only traceable, certified Iberian products, carefully selected to showcase the very best of the Iberian world.
Explore our online store and enjoy the true flavor of authentic Iberian ham with full guarantees.