Acorn-fed Ibérico de Bellota paleta yields paper thin slices of meltingly delicious meat with a deep richness and amazing flavor. Carving slices from a whole bone-in paleta is the way to taste Ibérico de Bellota shoulder at its finest. Mounted in a ham holder, this Montaraz UNICO Bellota paleta will last for weeks as you enjoy its unequaled flavor.

The masters at Montaraz have produced great hams and paletas for over 125 years. They use only 100% pure-breed, acorn-fed Ibérico pigs that spend their lives wandering the countryside, foraging and eating sweet acorns.

Paleta is the cured front shoulder. Because it is smaller than a ham, it cures more quickly than a larger jamón (about a year vs. two to four years for a ham). While the flavor is exceptional, it is somewhat more difficult to carve than the jamón (back leg), and the ultimate of flavor is a longer aged whole jamón.

Bellota in Spanish literally means acorn. Ibérico pigs destined for the bellota designation wander the countryside during the ‘montanera’ season when the oak trees yield lots of sweet acorns. Each pig is allowed over two acres to forage.

Because of this exercise and diet, the pork is infiltrated with rich, beneficial fats. This allows the paletas to be cured for over a year, during which they transform into a masterpiece of exquisite flavor. Only when they are perfectly cured will the Montaraz master allow them to be sold.

Montaraz is part of the DOP Extremadura, a denomination of origin similar to a wine appellation. Every step is inspected by an independent organization to ensure the finest quality - from the origins of the pork, to the levels of oleic acid, to the final packaging.

Since 1890, Montaraz has aged fine Ibérico hams and paletas. Four generations of family expertise goes into the curing of each jamón.

Allow your paleta to come to room temperature before carving. A holder is needed so that you can slice your Paleta Ibérico de Bellota properly and safely.

For storage and slicing instructions for whole hams, see this page.

NOTE: Hoof has been removed to conform to USDA standards.

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