Like Beluga caviar and Kobe beef, Iberico pork is one of the most expensive and renowned non-vegetarian products in the world. Sourced from pigs found mostly in Portugal and Spain, Iberico pork is an extremely high-quality meat product. But outside of its delicious flavors, did you know that Iberico pork also has several nutritional benefits that make it superior to other commonly enjoyed pig products? In today’s blog post, we are going to dive into everything Iberico pork, with a special focus on its health advantages.
What exactly is Iberico pork?
Wondering what Iberico pork is? We are here to answer that important question!
Iberico red meat is a red meat that comes from a particular breed of pigs, referred to as the Iberian pig (also referred to as Pata Negra), an animal neighborhood to the Iberian Peninsula in southwest Europe. This breed of pigs has certain traits that differentiate it from everyday white pigs.
- They eat acorns – A big portion of the Iberian pigs’ diet consists of acorns. This level of acorn consumption contributes greatly to their delicious flavor profile.
- They are free-range animals – Iberian pigs are usually reared in a free-range, open-pasture model. No steroids or hormonal substances are used to fatten them up. This means their meat tends to be more natural and leaner than other pigs.
- Their meat is perfectly marbled – The meat from Iberian pigs is famed for its exquisite marbling that lends to its acclaim in the culinary sphere.
What are the nutritional benefits of Iberico pork?
There are many nutritional benefits that Iberico pork offers. We have listed a few of them for you below:
- Iberico pork has healthier fats – Since Iberian pigs are free-range, their meat is automatically healthier and better than that of conventional pigs. Their meat incorporates a better percentage of wholesome fats (like oleic acid) which might be suitable for the frame and help in preventing cardiovascular sicknesses. Iberico beef is rich in omega three (fatty acids) – You probably recognize that many nutritionists advocate human beings eat fatty fish to get the important quantity of fatty acids.
- Iberico pork is rich in omega 3 (fatty acids) – You probably know that many nutritionists recommend people eat fatty fish to get the necessary amount of fatty acids. Well, if you are not a fan of fish but still want to be hitting your fatty acid markers, then Iberico pork is the meat for you. This meat is loaded with fatty acids thanks to the pigs’ acorn-heavy diet. Omega 3 works wonders for the body, promoting overall brain health with its many anti-inflammatory properties.
- Iberico pork is rich in antioxidants – The acorn-rich diet of Iberian pigs results in their meat having a lot of antioxidants that are crucial to the human body.
- Iberico pork has a high level of protein – Every gym regular knows how important protein is for muscle growth in the body. Iberico pork is full of protein, so it is no surprise that it is loved by health and fitness-conscious folks everywhere.
- Iberico pork also has other amazing nutrients – Outside of everything mentioned above, Iberico pork is packed with vitamins and minerals like selenium, Vitamin B, and zinc—all of which play a large role in keeping the human body balanced and healthy.
How do you prepare Iberico pork?
Have we convinced you of the health benefits of Iberico pork? Are you intrigued by all the things you can do with it? Well, then here is a list of some of our favorite Iberico pork dishes:
- Iberico Pork Secreto – As the name suggests, ‘secreto’ means secret in Spanish. One of the most famed Iberico pork dishes is a lightly seasoned, pan-seared cut of Iberian pork. A gentle marinade of salt, pepper, and olive oil allows the marbled meat to do all the work in this scrumptious dish.
- Iberico Pork Chorizo – As you probably already know, chorizo is a popular Spanish style of sausages. Throw Iberico pork into the mix, and you have one of the most well-flavored, smoky meats you have ever eaten.
- Iberico Pork Paella – Another Spanish classic, the Iberico paella involves using the meat alongside a fragrant rice blend that is guaranteed to transport your senses.
Conclusion
And there you have it! The hype around Iberico meat is real, and now you can see why that is the case! Join the movement and get your fill of absolutely diving, nutritionally-dense pork that will help keep you healthy. Since Iberico pork is such a specialty, just be sure to see that you are getting only genuine, premium meat from a recognized butcher, farmer, or meat producer. Cook it up and enjoy a meal you will not be forgetting any time soon.
