The world of ham is complex, there are infinite types and the price of ham can vary due to different characteristics. But have you ever wondered what the difference is between a 30 euro ham and a 500 euro ham? At César Nieto we have been producing Iberian ham and other meat products for five generations, so we are experts in the field. Below, we are going to explain some of the factors that influence the price of ham.
Factors that influence the price of ham
Ham is one of the most valued products in gastronomy, especially in the Spanish culinary tradition. However, not all hams are the same and their prices can vary significantly. There are several factors that determine the final cost of this delicious delicacy, from its origin and curing process to the pig’s feed and maturation time. Below, we explore the main factors that influence the price of ham.
The breed of pig influences the price of ham
The breed of pig is one of the main factors that determine the price of a ham. Serrano hams are usually cheaper than Iberian hams. This is due to the breed of pig. Serrano ham comes from white pigs, which are more common and easier to raise than Iberian pigs. There are numerous breeds of pigs that influence the quality and typology of the final product.
The percentage of Iberian purity influences the price of ham
Just like the breed of pig, the purity of the Iberian pig also influences the price of ham. In general, the greater the Iberian purity, the more expensive the ham. In other words, Iberian ham with a purity of 50% or 75% is generally a cheaper option than 100% Iberian ham.
Breeding influences the price of ham
Rearing Iberian pigs is usually more complex and expensive, as they are more delicate and fatten more slowly. The result is a higher quality product, but also a scarcer and more expensive one.
The pig’s diet influences the price of ham
In addition to breed and breeding, the price of ham is also influenced by the pig’s diet. Acorn-fed Iberian pigs have a specific diet consisting of acorns, natural pasture and, occasionally, other natural resources.
For this reason, acorn-fed Iberian ham tends to be more expensive than fattened Iberian ham, since the latter are fed on animal feed. In the case of Iberian ham from cebo de campo, the animals are fed on a mixture of acorns and natural feed.
Other factors that influence ham prices
In addition to the factors already explained, there are other aspects that can influence the price of ham. Special or limited editions tend to be more exclusive, so they are more expensive than regular hams.
The production process can also play an important role: if it is an artisanal product, a higher price can be expected compared to an industrially produced ham. Another factor is the curing time: the longer the process, the more expensive the ham. For example, a gran reserva ham cured for more than 24 months is more exclusive than a bodega ham cured between 9 and 14 months.
Get ham in all price ranges at César Nieto!
At César Nieto we offer you a wide range of different hams and meat products in various price categories. No matter if you choose a 50% or 100% Iberian ham, a field-fed ham, an acorn-fed ham or a ham from our limited editions, at César Nieto we promise you the best quality and excellent flavor.
Our pigs are naturally fed and raised in the foothills of the Sierra de Gredos in optimal animal welfare conditions. Visit our website today and discover our wide selection of products!
