'''Barrancos ham''' (Presunto de Barrancos) is a traditional ham in Portuguese cuisine, specifically from the village of Barrancos. It holds a protected designation of origin, according to European Union regulations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-28 |title=Geographical indications and quality schemes explained |url=https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/farming/geographical-indications-and-quality-schemes/geographical-indications-and-quality-schemes-explained_en |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=agriculture.ec.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref> thumb|Presunto de Barrancos
It's prepared using hind legs of pigs from the so-called Alentejana breed (Sus ibericus), fed with acorns.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Presunto de Barrancos {{!}} Local Dry-cured Ham From Barrancos |url=https://www.tasteatlas.com/presunto-de-barrancos |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=www.tasteatlas.com}}</ref> The legs are salted, dried, and cured, without undergoing any smoking process, and they must weigh over 6 kg when still fresh. They have a distinct end shape obtained through elongated cutting, trimmed to a point or beak.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Fernandes |first=Daniel |title=Produtos Tradicionais Portugueses |url=https://tradicional.dgadr.gov.pt/ |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=Produtos Tradicionais Portugueses |language=pt}}</ref>
After the curing process, the hams must weigh no less than 5 kg. The color should range from pink to purplish red, with visible fat among the muscular mass. The taste is mild, lightly salty, and sometimes has a slightly spicy aftertaste. The texture is not very fibrous and therefore tender.<ref name=":1" />
The curing process can take between 6 months and 2 years, with hams cured for nearly 2 years considered reserve-grade.<ref name=":1" />
The geographical area for Barrancos ham transformation is limited to the Barrancos Municipality, whose location in the Peninsular interior at an altitude of 350 meters provides the ideal natural conditions for drying and maturing this product.<ref name=":0" />
As a symbol of its protected designation of origin, Barrancos hams are marked with the cross of the Order of Avis using branding iron.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Genuíno - Presunto de Barrancos: Casa do Porco Preto |url=https://www.genuinopresunto.pt/presunto-de-barrancos/ |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=Genuíno |language=pt-pt}}</ref>
== References == {{Reflist}}
Category:Dry-cured hams Category:Portuguese products with protected designation of origin Category:Food product brands Category:Portuguese cuisine Category:Beja District