description Dehesa Overview
Dehesa (in Portuguese, montado) is a multifunctional agroforestry system characteristic of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula, especially Extremadura and Andalusia in Spain and the Alentejo region of Portugal. The landscape is defined by widely spaced evergreen oaks—chiefly holm oak (Quercus ilex) and cork oak (Quercus suber)—under which livestock graze. Dehesas are managed for multiple products including cork, firewood, charcoal, honey, cattle, and Iberian pigs fattened on acorns for jamón ibérico, making them one of Europe's most biodiverse cultural landscapes.
help Dehesa FAQ
What is a Dehesa in Spain?
A Dehesa is a multifunctional agroforestry system characteristic of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula, particularly Extremadura and Andalusia. The landscape is defined by widely spaced evergreen oaks, chiefly holm and cork oaks, which shade grassy pastures.
What is the difference between a Spanish Dehesa and a Portuguese Montado?
There is no ecological difference; "Montado" is simply the Portuguese name for the system used in the Alentejo region, while "Dehesa" is the Spanish term. Both landscapes represent the exact same traditional agricultural management of oak woodlands.
What animals are raised in a Dehesa ecosystem?
The system is famous for supporting free-range livestock, most notably the black Iberian pigs (Cerdo Ibérico) that forage on fallen acorns. These pigs are crucial for producing high-quality, expensive cured hams like Jamón ibérico de bellota.
Is the cork used for wine bottles harvested from Dehesas?
Yes, the cork oak trees prominent in the Dehesa ecosystem are stripped of their bark every 9 to 12 years to produce natural wine corks. This sustainable harvesting provides economic value to rural areas while maintaining the natural habitat.
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