Israel Romero / Saturday, March 21, 2026 / Categories: Blog From the dehesas and olive groves of Spain to your table From Spain's dehesas and olive groves to your table [caption id="attachment_31971" align="aligncenter" width="900"] What an an Iberian montanera looks like in the Dehesa of Extremadura[/caption] Iberian ham and olive oil: the best combination Talking about Spain means talking about a privileged territory. A country where the sea meets the mountains, where rivers irrigate fertile valleys and where biodiversity is part of everyday life. It is no coincidence that nearly 100 million people visit Spain each year. But beyond its landscapes, there is something that deeply defines its identity: the excellence of its gastronomic products. With a diverse climate and unique geography, Spain has developed an incomparable natural larder. And within it, there are two pillars that represent its essence better than any others: Iberian ham and extra-virgin olive oil. The dehesa: source of a unique treasure To understand Iberian ham, you must start with the dehesa. This ecosystem, unique in the world, extends mainly through regions such as Extremadura, Salamanca and western Andalusia. It is not a forest, nor a typical cultivated field: it is a balanced system between humans and nature, where holm oaks and cork oaks coexist with pastures and wildlife. In this environment lives the Iberian pig, a unique breed that feeds on acorns during the montanera (the acorn-feeding season). This natural process is responsible for the fat infiltrating the meat, producing that characteristic marbling and an incomparable texture and flavor. Spain is the only country in the world with four protected designations of origin for Iberian ham: Guijuelo, Dehesa de Extremadura, Jabugo and Los Pedroches. In all of them what many consider the best ham in the world is produced, the result of centuries of tradition. The production of ham in Spain dates back to ancient times, even to the Roman era. Since then, the know-how has been passed down from generation to generation, perfecting techniques of salting, drying and curing that remain artisanal today, although supported by technology to guarantee the highest quality. The olive groves: the liquid soul of Spain If the dehesa represents the land, the olive grove represents its liquid soul. Spain is the country with the largest number of olive trees in the world and the leading producer of olive oil. But it is not just about quantity: we are also talking about exceptional quality. Spanish olive groves are as diverse as the territory. There are: Large expanses in Andalusia Mountain olive groves in steep sierras Centuries-old and even millennial trees (some nearly 2,000 years old) Each one contributes unique nuances to the oil. Varieties such as picual, arbequina, hojiblanca and cornicabra produce oils with different sensory profiles: more intense, fruitier, milder or more complex. Extra-virgin olive oil is not just an ingredient: it is a cultural symbol, an essential element of the Mediterranean diet and a product recognized worldwide for its health benefits. Iberian ham and olive oil: a perfect pairing When these two products meet, something extraordinary happens. Iberian ham, with its silky texture and deep flavor, finds in extra-virgin olive oil the perfect ally to enhance its nuances. A good extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) can: Highlight the natural sweetness of the ham Add freshness and balance Intensify the sensory experience This pairing is not accidental; it reflects a gastronomic culture that understands the product as something alive, to be enjoyed, shared and celebrated. More than gastronomy: identity, health and economy Iberian ham and olive oil represent much more than two gourmet products. They are part of Spain's identity. Health, for their nutritional benefits Wealth, because they create jobs and sustain rural economies Tradition, because they preserve ancestral ways of life Innovation, because they evolve with new formats and proposals Today we find everything from organic ranges to innovative creations like "Iberian caviar," where oil or ham are presented in spherified form, taking tradition to haute cuisine. Leading names in Iberian ham and EVOO At Made in Spain Gourmet we carefully select producers who represent the best of this excellence: BEHER Señorío de Montanera Maldonado Domecq And in the world of olive oil: Castillo de Canena Oro La Senda Oleum Alcazaba Kylatt Isbilya [caption id="attachment_47966" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Luxury carved by knife: discover the authentic Iberian ham[/caption] Made in Spain Gourmet: the origin of discernment In a world where the word “gourmet” is used too lightly, at Made in Spain Gourmet we defend something different: discernment. Svetlana and Israel, the owners and founders of Made in Spain Gourmet in 2019, personally select each product. It is not just about quality, but about history, authenticity and emotion. About understanding why a product deserves a place on your table. Because when you choose a ham or an oil at Made in Spain Gourmet, you are not just buying food. You are accessing a fragment of Spain, its land, its culture and its way of living. A privilege to be shared From the dehesas to the olive groves, from tradition to innovation, Iberian ham and extra-virgin olive oil are much more than products: they are experiences, 100% Made in Spain experiences. They are that moment when a table fills up, a conversation begins and life is celebrated. And that, precisely, is what makes Spain a unique place. And these products, a true privilege. AUTHOR: Israel Romero, CEO of Made in Spain Gourmet. La Albufera Rice: The Secret Is in the Grain The Best Canned Fish for Gourmet Salads Print 2 Rate this article: No rating Tags: gourmetIberian hamIberian hamextra virgin olive oilEVOOGourmet made in SpainPremium EVOOoilMade in Spainolive oilfoodie Please login or register to post comments.