Is better the ham ibérico female pig than male pig?
Surely you have heard this, occasionally ... and it is that, traditionally, you have always had that belief, but, we have to tell you, than not true. At least, today, and in this one post we explain why.
It all goes back to ancient times, where the ranchers they did not castrate male pigs until they reached one year of life. By having more development time, the hams that were obtained were larger, but also with a much stronger flavor and aroma, as, hormone production (generated, automatically and naturally, being close to the female suckling pig), was transferred to the meat.
That was the main difference to be able to easily distinguish an Iberian ham from a male pig (since its flavor was strong and intense), and, instead, that of a female, it was of a more delicate flavor and full of nuances.
But, What happens today? Good, as we mentioned, that difference no longer exists, why the pigs, be male or female, they are castrated at two months of age.
This does not mean that we cannot continue to differentiate between a ham of male or female origin. If you have a good eye for ham, you will recognize in the female hams a more rounded formation Of the piece, originated by its natural physiognomy.
Are all pigs castrated?, For obvious reasons, the answer is no, since we would run out of production. A certain percentage will be kept as breeding pigs: the males will not be fit for consumption and the females, whose main function will be to raise piglets, will give rise to the sow ham once its work is finished.
These hams, can easily weigh, some 15 kg, and although they will be considered quality products, They will be characterized by having a fat composition greater than that of female sows that has not been used for rearing.
Now you know! When you see an advertising offer that claims that the ham comes from a female pig, you should know that it is nothing more than a ruse to attract consumers who are not familiar with how to produce Iberian ham today.
