Jamón Ibérico de Cebo is a more affordable category of Iberian ham, represented by the brands Jamones Blázquez, Montesano, Montellano and Monte Roble. Unlike de bellota ham, it comes from Iberian pigs raised on a farm and fed on cereal and legume feed rather than on acorns on free pasture. The range includes whole bone-in hams weighing 7-8 kg, the smaller paleta of 4.5-5.8 kg and packaged 100 g slices, a number of them in a practical set with a stand and a knife. It is a way of tasting the typical Iberian flavour at a lower price than in the premium bellota category.
How to find your way around this category
A whole bone-in ham offers the most meat and is suitable for slicing at home and for longer use. The paleta is the smaller front leg at a more favourable price. Packaged slices are ready for immediate consumption. Most of the products come from Jamones Blázquez and Montesano, supplemented by alternatives from Montellano and Monte Roble.
For regular consumption of Iberian ham without the high price of bellota, cebo is a good compromise between flavour and price.
Cebo vs. bellota - what is the difference
Parameter
Jamón Ibérico de Cebo
Jamón Ibérico de Bellota
Rearing
Farm, cereal- and legume-based feed
Free pasture (dehesa), fattened on acorns
Label
White (green for the de campo version)
Black or red
Flavour
Pronounced Iberian flavour, somewhat simpler
More complex, nutty flavour
Price
Lower
Higher
Both versions come from the Iberian pig or its crossbreeds - the difference lies mainly in the method of rearing and fattening, which influences both flavour and price. You will find de bellota hams in a separate category.
Storage and serving
A whole bone-in ham is stored hanging on a stand in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight. After each slicing, the cut surface is covered with a slice of fat or a clean cotton cloth so that the meat does not dry out. Packaged slices belong in the fridge once opened.
Sets with a stand and a knife are a practical choice for slicing a whole ham at home for the first time - they contain everything you need to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between jamón de cebo and jamón de bellota?
The difference lies in the way the pigs are reared and fattened - de bellota comes from pigs fattened on acorns on free pasture, de cebo from farm-reared pigs fed on cereal and legume feed. This influences both flavour and price.
Is jamón de cebo still an Iberian ham?
Yes, it comes from the Iberian pig or its crossbreeds just as de bellota does, it only differs in the method of rearing and fattening, which is reflected in the flavour and the price.
What does the white label on a jamón mean?
The white label designates jamón ibérico de cebo - ham from pigs fed on standard feed without free pasture with acorns.
Is it better to buy a whole ham or packaged slices?
A whole ham is more advantageous over a longer period and for more people, but it requires a stand and a knife. Packaged slices are practical for immediate consumption without the need for slicing.
How long does an opened jamón de cebo keep?
Once cut into, a whole ham keeps for several weeks with correct storage in a dry and cool place, while packaged slices have the shelf life stated on the packaging.
The form (whole ham, paleta, slices) and the ratio of price to flavour. Also: de cebo offers the Iberian flavour at a lower price than bellota.
What we base this on
On the Spanish quality standard for Iberian jamón (Real Decreto 4/2014) and on information from the producers Jamones Blázquez and Montesano. Also: we verify the specific parameters with each current delivery.
Where the limits are
The exact weight varies from piece to piece, as this is a natural product. Also: you will always find the current parameters and availability in the product detail.
What this category does not cover
Neither premium bellota nor the more affordable serrano ham. Also: you will find those in the corresponding subcategories.