The Iberian Quality Standard (ASICI) classifies hams using four tamper-proof colored seals that guarantee their breed purity and diet:

Black Label: 100% Ibérico de Bellota (Acorn-Fed Iberian). 100% purebred Iberian pigs, raised free-range in the dehesa (pastureland) and fed exclusively on acorns during the montanera (acorn season) and pastures.

Red Label: Ibérico de Bellota (50% or 75% Iberian breed). Crossbred pigs, raised free-range and fed on acorns during the montanera season and on pasture.

Green Label: Cebo de Campo (50%, 75%, or 100% Iberian breed). Pigs raised on farms and in the fields and fed on natural pastures, cereal feed, and some acorns.

White Label: Cebo Ibérico (50%, 75%, or 100% Iberian breed). Pigs raised on intensive farms and fed exclusively on cereal feed.

The *Bellota* (acorn-fed) ham comes from pigs that fatten up exclusively on acorns and natural pasture in the *dehesa* (oak woodland) during the *montanera* season. The *Cebo de Campo* (field-fed) variety combines free-range grazing with selected feed.

The main difference lies in the breed of pig, its diet, and the curing time: Jamón Ibérico comes from native Iberian pigs cured for 24 to 48 months, while Jamón Serrano comes from white pigs (the pink ones) cured for 12 to 18 months. The Iberian pig has the unique genetic ability to infiltrate fat within the muscle, giving the ham an incomparable juiciness, aroma, and flavor compared to the leaner, more uniform meat of Jamón Serrano.

Cured ham is a product naturally free from gluten and lactose. At Jamonarium, we provide detailed specifications for each piece to ensure safety for people with intolerances.