Cordero de Navarra

Protected geographical indication covering fresh lamb of the pure-bred Navarra and Lacha breeds, raised in the Autonomous Community of Navarre under extensive or semi-extensive systems. Two categories are recognised: Lechal (suckling lamb) and Ternasco (light lamb). Slaughter and dressing must take place in approved slaughterhouses within Navarre. Registered as a PGI on 7 July 2006 under file number PGI-ES-0212.

About this designation

Cordero de Navarra / Nafarroako Arkumea is a PGI registered on 7 July 2006 (eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000013521, file number PGI-ES-0212) covering fresh lamb of the pure-bred Navarra and Lacha breeds produced in the Autonomous Community of Navarre. The specification recognises two categories. The Lechal (suckling lamb) is a male or female animal of the Lacha or Navarra breed suckled by the ewe until slaughter; permitted carcass weights are 5 to 8 kg for the Lacha breed and 6 to 8 kg for the Navarra breed, including head and offal. The Ternasco is a male or female animal of the Navarra breed suckled for a minimum of 45 days from birth, with a carcass weight of 9 to 12 kg, not including head or offal. Lambs must be the offspring of ewes reared under extensive or semi-extensive systems making use of pasture and natural plant resources. Concentrated feedingstuffs may not include by-products of plant origin other than those derived from cereals or legumes, and urea is expressly prohibited. Slaughter and dressing must take place in approved slaughterhouses within Navarre. Carcasses meeting the specification are identified with numbered labels issued by the Regulating Board; in cutting plants each piece carries a numbered label. Three label types exist, distinguished by background colour: blue for Navarra breed Ternasco, yellow for Navarra breed Lechal, and red for Latxa breed Lechal, each bearing a control number and the PGI logo. The inspection body is the Instituto de Calidad Agroalimentaria de Navarra (ICAN), based in Villava, Navarre.

Source: The register document this entry was written from · retrieved August 26, 2026

Distinctive facts

• Registered as a PGI on 7 July 2006 under file number PGI-ES-0212 (eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000013521).
• Only the pure-bred Navarra and Lacha breeds qualify; the specification permits no other breed.
• Ternasco carcasses must weigh 9 to 12 kg (excluding head and offal); Lechal carcasses 5 to 8 kg or 6 to 8 kg depending on breed.
• Concentrated feedingstuffs may not include plant by-products other than those from cereals or legumes, and urea is expressly prohibited.

Tasting notes

Navarran lamb IGP from regional Lacha and Navarra-breed flocks. Lean pink meat.

HoReCa use

Navarran-Basque cuisine; pairs with Navarra and Rioja reds.

Packaging

• Same as other lamb IGPs

Seasonality