The montanera is over
The montanera is an essential period for the Iberian pig. It is a temporary period that extends every year between the months of October and March. During this cycle, the animal is in permanent contact with nature, and is perfectly integrated into an environment adapted to its growth needs. Bear in mind that grass and acorns play a prominent role in its daily diet. For this reason, the montanera is a definitive phase of rearing, as the Iberian pig reaches its ideal weight. During autumn and winter, the animal grazes freely in its natural environment and gains significant weight. In some cases, it can double its initial weight.
/wp:paragraph wp:headingFeeding pigs during the montanera
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The acorn is the most representative food of the montanera. It falls from the top of the trees during the autumn and is then at an excellent moment of ripeness and flavour. The animal has a pleasant routine in the pasture, that is to say , enjoy a home with great natural wealth and numerous trees, mainly the cork oak and the holm oak, which acquire great visibility in the landscape. In the pasture it is also possible to find gall oak. The trees we have listed are different, but they have a similar appearance. common: they bear good fruit. They enrich the space with different varieties of acorn, which will be the main element in this process.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphThe animal gains weight in a completely traditional way and, in addition, gains weight at its own pace. Sometimes, it can gain around a kilo a day. What is its routine? It eats, drinks water, moves and sleeps. In short, it is in a relaxing space where it exercises. Time in the pasture creates the ideal circumstances for the last days of the animal's life. Do not forget that the conditions in which this period takes place have a positive influence on the quality and flavour of the meat. It should be noted that the spaces in which the montanera takes place do not have any other type of activity. Therefore, this is its main purpose.
/wp:paragraph wp:headingThe environment and food
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The surroundings are also enriched with other shrubs and grass. The Iberian pig is fed with the natural resources present in the area. It enjoys a large environment where it moves freely without experiencing any kind of obstacle. But, in addition, its presence in the place produces a positive effect on the care of the environment. Its interaction with the environment favors its protection and conservation. On the one hand, the animals experience natural fattening, since they take advantage of the resources within their reach. A quality diet also influences the excellent flavor of the Iberian ham. On the other hand, the time that the pig spends in the pasture, during the autumn and winter, is essential for it to achieve the properties and qualities desired to produce a good product. In this way, the natural setting achieves a true balance because it is managed in a truly sustainable and respectful way.
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Although the montanera is generally between autumn and winter, it is a period that is highly conditioned by climatic factors, mainly temperature and rainfall. There are environmental variables that can produce some modifications in the rate of maturation of acorns. The qualities The qualities and properties of the acorn provide a unique essence to Iberian ham . And what are its most important components? It has oleic acid and a high percentage of carbohydrates. Before this time, the animals have been cared for and fed on farms But in the pasture they find different varieties of acorns, both sweet and bitter.
/wp:paragraph wp:headingThe swineherd performs a very important task during this time.
/wp:heading wp:paragraphIt is true that the animals enjoy a free space that encourages activity and free movement. And they find large quantities of food to eat and fatten up in the traditional way. But they are not alone during the montanera stage, but are cared for, guided and accompanied by the swineherd. The swineherd is the professional who identifies those areas where natural resources are most abundant in the pasture and monitors the animals' progress on a daily basis. Through his work he can facilitate the search for ripe acorns for the pigs.
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Other curiosities about the end of the montanera
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It is common for pigs to be one year old or nearly twelve months old. They gain weight throughout the autumn and winter. Therefore, in the initial stage of this phase they are more agile in exploring all the corners of the natural environment that surrounds them. During the last few weeks, on the other hand, they prioritise their interaction with the most accessible areas because they have already increased their size significantly. They enjoy the flavour of other wild ingredients and some aromatic plants that grow in the environment.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphAt our company we are aware of the importance of the montanera for the Iberian pig. It is a cycle that repeats itself every year and is directly linked to the rate of maturation of the acorn. At Ibéricos Montesano you can find products of the highest quality: Iberian hams , shoulders and sausages . We present a varied selection of products in different formats so that you can enjoy an incomparable gastronomic experience.
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