Pata negra

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It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Jamón ibérico. (Discuss)

This article is about the variety of ham. For the flamenco band, see Pata Negra.

A Slice of Jamón serrano

Pata negra is a type of jamón / presunto, similar to Italian prosciutto. Free-range acorn fed pata negra is considered to be of the highest quality. Pata negra literally means black hoof in Spanish and Portuguese.

This type of ham only accounts for about five percent of total ham production. It is made from the Black Iberian Pig.

The fat content is relatively high compared to jamon serrano thus giving a rich taste.

The best variety of pata negra is range fed and fattened on acorns in cork oak groves along the southern border between Spain and Portugal.

In Spain it is also known as "Jamón Iberico de Bellota" or "Jamón Iberico de Montanera". In Portugal it is sometimes described as "Presunto de Porco Preto".