The irresistible taste of Iberico cheek

If you are a true foodie, chances are you have heard of Iberico cheek. This special delicacy from Spain is winning the hearts of both home chefs and professional chefs all over the world. But what makes Iberico cheek so special?

What is Iberico cheek?

Iberico cheek is a piece of meat from the Iberico pig, a native pig species from Spain. The cheek is a particularly tender and tasty piece of meat, characterized by its marbling and soft texture. Due to its location on the jaw of the pig, the meat gets a unique combination of fat and muscle tissue, which ensures an unparalleled taste experience. Iberico cheek is a delicacy that is often used in traditional Spanish cuisine, but is also increasingly finding its way into international gastronomy.

The origin of Iberico

Iberian pigs are mainly bred in the regions of Andalusia, Extremadura and Salamanca in Spain. These pigs are known for their diet, which consists largely of acorns (bellota), which contributes to the unique taste and quality of the meat. The tradition of breeding Iberian pigs goes back hundreds of years and is deeply rooted in Spanish culinary culture. The pigs live in a free-range environment, where they can move freely and feed on natural resources, resulting in a high-quality and tasty end product.

The uniqueness of Iberico cheek

What makes Iberico cheek really special is the combination of taste, texture and tenderness. The meat has a rich marbling, which makes it very juicy and tender. In addition, it has an intense and unique taste that is difficult to compare with other meats. Iberico cheek is a true delicacy that elevates every meal to a higher level.

Iberico cheek in traditional Spanish dishes

In Spain, Iberico cheek is often used in dishes such as Iberico cheek croquetas, where the meat is mixed with béchamel sauce and then fried. It is also used in stews and tapas dishes, where the flavour of the meat really comes into its own.

Iberico cheek in modern fusion kitchen

In modern fusion cuisine, Iberico cheek is often used to give dishes a unique twist. Think of Iberico cheek burgers with spicy aioli, or grilled Iberico cheek skewers with an Asian marinade.

Choosing the best Iberico cheek

It is important to choose quality when it comes to Iberico cheek. When buying, look for labels such as "Bellota" or "Pata Negra", which indicate that the meat comes from pigs that have been fed on acorns. These pigs provide the best quality and flavor.