The mast is the last phase of breeding Iberian pig and is to leave the pig grazing in the pasture , where traditional farming occurs, through forests of cork oaks and oaks , and its fruit, the acorn , the basic food before slaughter . This method of bait only the fittest individuals who have completed the above steps are intended.
Montanera phase runs from October to February, coinciding with the period of maturation of the acorn. The animals come into this stage with 90 kilograms and can reach the same end in 160 years a good crop of acorns, earning a daily average of about 0.67 Kg weight.
In the open range, as opposed to intensive production system , the Iberian pig lives in freedom in this space and stays in motion, which is the basis of the quality of their meat. In fact, during each pig mast it requires about one hectare of pasture. In this crucial phase, the acorn, for its high content of carbohydrates, providing energy to the animal, and will become the famous fat and herbs added the peculiar fragrance of all derivatives of Iberian.