Acorns are a very important food in the diet of the Iberian pig. The acorn is a fruit of the cork oak and the holm oak and is rich in nutrients such as proteins, fats and fiber. In addition, acorns have a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial to health.
The Iberian pig feeds mainly on acorns during the autumn and winter, when the leaves of the cork oak or holm oak have fallen and the acorns are ripe and within reach. This allows it to accumulate fat in its body naturally, which is reflected in the quality of the meat and the flavor of the Iberian ham.
In addition, acorns also have an impact on the environment of the dehesas. The dehesas are a unique ecosystem found mainly in the region of the Iberian plateau and are made up of holm oak and cork oak trees. The acorn is an essential food for the conservation of these ecosystems, as it attracts a great variety of animals that feed on it and contribute to its dispersion.
In summary, acorns are a fundamental food in the diet of the Iberian pig and have a positive impact on both the quality of the meat and the environment of the dehesas.
