PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN
Commitment to Quality and Excellence
The Protected Designation of Origin Dehesa de Extremadura only certifies 100% Iberian products.
Quality Guarantee
The D.O.P. Dehesa de Extremadura is a quality seal that guarantees excellence in Iberian hams and shoulders. With this certification, consumers can be confident they are purchasing a product that meets the highest standards of purity and craftsmanship, ensuring that every purchase truly reflects the quality and value of their investment.
Do you know how to identify if you’re really buying the highest quality product?
To ensure you’re purchasing a ham or shoulder of the utmost quality, always look for the seal and tag of the D.O.P. Dehesa de Extremadura..
These marks guarantee that the product has been made under the strict quality standards of the Designation of Origin, ensuring its origin in the Extremadura ‘dehesas’ and a production process that respects tradition and excellence in every piece.
Two tags, two ways to nurture the excellence of the Iberian pig
The black label certifies that the pigs have been raised freely and fed exclusively on acorns during the montanera season.
The white label identifies “cebo de campo” pigs, which are fed during their final fattening stage with a combination of feed and natural resources from the pastureland, while always maintaining pure Iberian breed standards.
In addition to whole pieces, we also control and certify the sliced portions of our hams and shoulders.
They must always carry the corresponding security label.
Controls and Certification
Both the pigs intended for the production of protected hams and shoulders, as well as the individual pieces that comply with the Specifications at every stage of the production process, will be identified using the method established by the Regulatory Council. This ensures the origin, traceability, and individual identification are guaranteed at all times throughout production, processing, and marketing.
Origin
All animals whose limbs are suitable for producing protected products must come from farms registered and located within the production area of Extremadura.
Breed
Hams and shoulders come from pigs of 100% Iberian or Iberian breed, which, in compliance with RD 4/2014 of January 10th approving the quality standard for Iberian meat, ham, shoulder, and loin, must have at least 75% Iberian breed.
Feeding
The final fattening phase of the Iberian pig takes place during the montanera, where the animal is fed exclusively on acorns and natural grasses.
Pig-to-hectare ratio
Only products from pigs raised in spacious outdoor areas are eligible for this designation of origin. Certification requires between two and six hectares per pig.
Production regulation
The drying and aging facilities where the curing and maturation phases of hams and shoulders take place must be registered and located within the production zone.
Slaughter regulation
The slaughter of pigs destined for limbs eligible for the designation of origin must be carried out in slaughterhouses registered within the production area.
Surprise inspections
Unannounced inspections are carried out on farms, drying facilities, and slaughterhouses to verify compliance with the regulations and quality standards established by the D.O.P. Dehesa de Extremadura, ensuring the authenticity and excellence of the protected products.
Product identification
Protected hams and shoulders will carry an identification label that must obligatorily include the mention D.O.P. “Dehesa de Extremadura” and the category to which it belongs.
ORIGIN
The Regulatory Council of the Denomination of Origin "Dehesa de Extremadura" began its journey in the spring of 1990 (D.O.E 30/05/90), and was subsequently ratified by the Ministry of Agriculture (B.O.E 02/07/90). In June 1996, the European Union recognized Dehesa de Extremadura as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), thereby endorsing at the community level the prestige and quality of the Iberian hams and shoulders overseen by our Regulatory Council.
The quality and authenticity of the Iberian products are guaranteed through comprehensive supervision, covering everything from the rearing of the pigs to the curing and labeling of hams and shoulders, all under the vigilant oversight of the Regulatory Council.
CRDOP DEHESA DE EXTREMADURA
C / Cánovas del Castillo s/n 2ªplanta
Mérida (06800), Badajoz, España
El Consejo Regulador de la D.O.P. Dehesa de Extremadura ha sido beneficiario de una subvención de 129.959 €, cofinanciado por la Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Sustainable Development, para el apoyo a actividades de información y promoción en el mercado interior, en la convocatoria de ayuda a los regímenes de calidad de los productos agrícolas y alimentarios en el marco del PROYECTO DEHESA-IBORES CON CALIDAD DIFERENCIADA 2024-2025 en la Comunidad Autónoma de Extremadura. El objetivo es fomentar la producción y comercialización de productos agroalimentarios de calidad diferenciada (Decreto 79/2023 de 26 de julio, DOE nº 168 de 31/08/2023).
CO-FUNDED BY THE HONORABLE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF BADAJOZ
Years co-funded: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
CO-FUNDED BY THE HONORABLE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF CÁCERES
Years co-funded: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Copyright © 2025 CRDOP DEHESA DE EXTREMADURA
