PGI Trévelez Ham

As we mentioned in previous posts, we talked about the Denomination of Origin (D.O.) of the ham, in this post we talk about the Trévelez Ham. D.O. for the consumer, it guarantees a constant level of quality and specific characteristics.

Today we will talk about Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

It is a product originating from a specific geographical area, whose reputation or other characteristics must be essentially attributed to that place. It should be noted that European regulations recognise that at least one of the production, processing or preparation stages must take place in the defined geographical area.

Therefore, hams with the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Jamón de Trévelez’ are different from other hams in that they are traditionally produced in a defined area, which gives them unique characteristics and qualities.

It should be noted that these hams are produced in a natural area with altitude, temperature and humidity factors that make it unique.

The type of livestock suitable for the production of hind legs for the production of ‘Trévelez’ ham comes from pigs obtained from crosses of the following breeds:

Mother line: Landrace (standard type), Large White or a cross between the two.
Sire line: Landrace (standard type) or Duroc.

In addition, the production process is carried out in a traditional way and the hams are cured naturally.

Characteristics of the hams

Firstly, they are hams with a minimum curing period of 14, 17 or 20 months, depending on the weight of the ham when fresh. Another is that they have a rounded shape, preserving the rind and the leg. When cut, they are red in colour and have a shiny appearance, with fat partially infiltrated into the muscle mass.

Finally, the meat has a delicate, slightly salty flavour, and the fat has an unctuous, shiny, yellowish-white consistency and a pleasant taste.

Geographical area

The production area of the ‘Jamón de Trévelez’ specific designation of origin is located in the province of Granada, on the south-western side of the Sierra Nevada, in the highest part of the region, known as the Alpujarra.

It includes the parts of the following municipalities at an altitude of over 1,200 metres: Trévelez, Juviles, Busquístar, Pórtugos, La Taha, Bubión, Capileira and Bérchules.