The Route of the Dehesas de Extremadura through the province of Cáceres

La Dehesa de Extremadura, with almost 2.2 million hectares, is one of the most singular ecosystems on the Iberian Peninsula. Most of this area is made up of grazing land with oak groves.

Montánchez (Cáceres) is the centre of this route. An ancient town that dates back to the Bronze Age, the tradition of curing hams also goes back centuries, with historic references since 1236. Tradition tells that Carlos V, when he retired to Yuste, enjoyed ham from Montánchez.

Cáceres has extensive countryside where the Iberian pig reigns and this is why there are many districts on this route: La Jara with the ruins of Augustobriga; La Vera where the monastery of Yuste is situated, where Carlos V retired; the Jerte valley with exquisite cherry trees, a compulsory stop when they are in flower; the Ambroz valley with the outstanding town of Hervás and the chestnut groves; the Alagón valley presided by the monumental town of Coria; Tajo-Salor-Almonte with the spectacular Roman bridge of Alcántara; Monfragüe and the surrounding area with its Nature Park where you can bird watch and the unforgettable town of Plasencia; Miajadas-Trujillo, fertile land and the cradle of conquistadors who built splendid palaces; or Villuercas with the emblematic town of Guadalupe, one of the most famous pilgrim destinations in Spain.

Designation of Origin of the Iberian ham

The breeding and production area on the Route of the Iberian Ham is in the Autonomous Communities of Andalucía, Castilla y León and Extremadura. These areas are marked out by the Regulating Council of the Designation of Origin of the Iberian ham. Guijuelo, la Dehesa de Extremadura, Jamón de Huelva and Los Pedroches are the four areas with Designation of Origin at present.

Curing stages of Iberian ham

After the free range grazing, the pig is slaughtered in the traditional way or industrially to reduce stress so that the quality of the meat is not affected. At the time of slaughter the blood is used for making cold meats and preserves.

Ham festivals

There are professional trade fairs, gastronomic events, congresses and local festivals centred around Iberian ham in the areas all along Route that give ham a festive quality that attracts thousands of visitors.