Autumn is timidly appearing among the oak and cork oak forests of the pasture. The ground is covered with a carpet of dry leaves and, most importantly, we can already see the precious acorns that will feed our Iberian pigs. It is the time we have been waiting for: the montanera.
But what do we really expect from the montanera this year? More than just a natural cycle, it is a wish shared by all of us at Ibéricos Torreón. We hope that the rains will be generous, that the sun will bathe the fields with just the right amount of warmth and that the oaks will give us an abundant harvest of sweet and nutritious acorns.
The montanera is much more than a season; it is a basic period for our tradition and the key to the exceptional quality of our Iberian products. During this period, which extends approximately from October to February , the Iberian pigs enjoy the freedom of the pasture, feeding freely on acorns and natural pastures. This unique diet is what gives our hams, loins and sausages that unrivalled flavour that distinguishes them.
A good montanera depends on several factors : the weather conditions, the quantity and quality of the acorns and the well-being of the animals. There must be enough rain for the oaks to produce an abundance of acorns, but also for the grass to be green and juicy. Iberian pigs need space to move freely, exercising their muscles and encouraging the infiltration of fat into the meat, which will give rise to that much appreciated texture and flavour.
This year, we hope for an exceptional montanera. We hope that every acorn will be a treasure, and every day in the pasture an enriching experience for our animals. Because we know that the excellence of the products that will reach the tables of Iberian lovers depends largely on this.
