What is pata negra? (And what it is not)

“Pata negra” has become almost a synonym for expensive Spanish ham. You see it on menus, in supermarkets and even as a restaurant name. But under Spanish rules it means something very specific.

The meaning

Pata negra means “black hoof”. It refers to the dark hoof many Iberian pigs have. For a long time Spaniards used it as a nickname for Ibérico ham in general, and for anything top quality.

What the rules say

Since the Spanish quality standard for ibérico (Real Decreto 4/2014), the term pata negra may only be used for jamón de bellota 100% ibérico: the ham with the black label. That means:

• the pig is a purebred Iberian (both parents 100% Iberian);
• it roamed the dehesa during the montanera, feeding on acorns and grass.

A red, green or white label Ibérico ham is therefore not pata negra, however delicious it is.

A black hoof proves little

The hoof is no proof. Crossbred Iberian pigs (50% or 75%) often have a dark hoof too, and not every purebred Iberian pig has a fully black one. And with sliced ham you see no hoof at all. So always look at:

1. the label colour: black;
2. the full name: jamón de bellota 100% ibérico.

Why so expensive?

Purebred Iberian pigs have smaller litters, grow slowly and need a lot of space in the dehesa. The number of acorns per season is limited, and so is the number of bellota pigs. Then the ham cures for years. All of that makes pata negra rare and expensive.

How to serve pata negra

As purely as possible: thinly sliced, at room temperature, with at most a simple piece of bread on the side. The fat should just glisten. See also how to store and serve Ibérico ham.

Our jamón ibérico de bellota has a black or red label; the pack tells you which.

Frequently asked questions

What does pata negra mean? +

Literally 'black hoof', after the dark hoof of the Iberian pig. Under the Spanish quality standard the term may only be used for jamón de bellota 100% ibérico, with the black label.

Is every ham with a black hoof pata negra? +

No. Crossbred Iberian pigs and some other breeds can have a dark hoof too. Only the black label stating bellota 100% ibérico guarantees pata negra.

How much does pata negra ham cost? +

Pata negra is the most expensive Spanish ham. Sliced, expect to pay 200 to 300 euros per kilo in the Netherlands; a whole ham costs several hundred euros depending on producer and weight.