The Denomination of Origin Guijuelo: the oldest in Spain

The Denomination of Origin Guijuelo was the first DO for Iberian ham officially recognized in Spain, a fact that is no accident. Guijuelo has been curing hams for centuries, long before labels, seals, or regulations existed. It is located in the southeast of the province of Salamanca, in Castile and León, at over 1,000 meters altitude. This location is key. The cold, dry climate, with long winters and mild summers, allows for slow, natural curing, which is essential to achieve elegant, balanced, and deeply aromatic hams. Here, time is not an enemy. It is an ally. What makes Guijuelo ham special Guijuelo ham is recognized for a very defined profile, different from other Iberian zones:

• Longer, more gradual curing
• Sweeter, rounder flavors
• Very melting texture
• Clean, deep, and elegant aromas

It doesn’t seek immediate impact. It seeks to linger. It’s a ham that is best appreciated bite by bite, with no rush. In Guijuelo, the master ham-maker remains a central figure. The experience and knowledge passed down through generations continue to make the difference. 100% Iberian ham: the highest expression When we talk about 100% Iberian ham, we’re talking about the . There are no shortcuts here. The 100% Iberian pig is characterized by:

• Unique genetics
• The ability to infiltrate fat into the muscle
• Highly controlled feeding and management
• Slow, natural development

These genetics are responsible for that intramuscular fat (marbling), glossy and aromatic, that melts at room temperature and fills the mouth with nuances. In Guijuelo, this raw material is transformed with respect, without forcing processes, allowing the ham to evolve at its own pace for more than 36, 48, or even 60 months. Characteristics of 100% Iberian ham from Guijuelo In general terms, a great Guijuelo ham offers:

• Intense red color with pink streaks
• White, silky, and very aromatic fat
• Balanced flavor, slightly sweet
• Long, elegant persistence
• Soft, silky texture

It’s a ham that doesn’t tire the palate, one that invites you to keep slicing and sharing. What to pair with a Guijuelo ham 100% Iberian ham from Guijuelo is versatile, but it appreciates partners that respect its delicacy:

• Elegant red wines, not overly powerful
• Aged white wines
• Cavas and quality sparkling wines
• Fino and manzanilla sherries, for the more classic pairings

And, of course, the best pairing remains the simplest: good bread, good company, and time to enjoy it. BEHER: an absolute benchmark of gourmet Iberian At Made in Spain Gourmet there are names that perfectly represent what we mean by excellence. BEHER is one of them. BEHER is today one of the most awarded Iberian brands in the world, internationally recognized for its rigor, total process control, and clear commitment to uncompromising quality. From breeding the pig to the final curing, everything is under their control. You can taste that in the result: precise, profound, consistent, and extraordinarily elegant hams. If you’re looking for one of the most gourmet hams produced in Spain today, BEHER is a safe choice. Spain, a unique country for 100% Iberian ham Spain is the only country in the world able to offer 100% Iberian hams with this level of quality, diversity, and tradition. It’s not just about the breed. It’s about the ecosystem, the culture, and the accumulated knowledge over centuries. Within that map, Guijuelo occupies a privileged place. Not to compete, but for having preserved its own identity, true to its style and history. Made in Spain Gourmet: your trusted source In Made in Spain Gourmet we don’t work with random products. We select what we know, what we understand, and what we would recommend without hesitation at our own table. Here you will find only what can be considered 100% gourmet, with a clear origin, proven quality, and producers who do things right. If you’re looking for 100% Iberian ham from Guijuelo, you’ll find it here with the peace of mind of knowing you’re buying the best of Spain, explained with honesty and respect. Because true luxury isn’t about excess. It’s about knowing how to choose well.

AUTHOR: Israel Romero, CEO of Made in Spain Gourmet.