Ternera de Extremadura

Ternera de Extremadura is fresh veal and beef from cattle of native Extremaduran breeds and specified crosses, reared under an extensive production system in the dehesa landscape of Extremadura, Spain. The designation covers three age-defined categories of carcass, each with defined colour, fat and texture characteristics, and requires that birth, rearing, slaughter and cutting all take place within the delimited area.

About this designation

Registered as a PGI under file number PGI-ES-0220, with EU protection granted on 10 January 2002, Ternera de Extremadura covers fresh meat from cattle of the native breeds Retinta, Avileña Negra-Ibérica, Morucha, Blanca Cacereña and Berrendas, and crosses among them or with the breeds Charolais and Limousin, provided the animals are reared under an extensive production system. The specification defines three categories by slaughter age: veal, from animals slaughtered between 7 and 12 months less one day; baby beef, from animals slaughtered between 12 and 16 months less one day; and young bulls, from animals slaughtered between 16 and 36 months. Each category carries defined characteristics of colour, fat colour, consistency and texture as set out in the specification. Calves may not be weaned before they are at least five months old. Dams are fed on the pastures of the dehesa and other native pasture of the Extremadura ecosystem throughout the year, with supplementation from straw, hay, cereals, protein crops and other vegetable-origin raw materials, plus necessary minerals and vitamins. The use of products that could interfere with the normal rhythm of growth and development is expressly prohibited. The geographical area comprises the districts of Alburquerque, Almendralejo, Azuaga, Badajoz, Brozas, Cáceres, Castuera, Coria, Don Benito, Herrera del Duque, Hervás, Jaraíz de la Vera, Jerez de los Caballeros, Logrosán, Llerena, Mérida, Navalmoral de la Mata, Olivenza, Plasencia, Puebla de Alcocer, Trujillo and Valencia de Alcántara, and all stages of production — birth, rearing, slaughter and cutting — must take place within this area. The designation is administered by the Consejo Regulador de las indicaciones geográficas protegidas de Carne de Vacuno de Extremadura.

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

Distinctive facts

• Registered as a PGI on 10 January 2002 under file number PGI-ES-0220, eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000013529.
• The specification defines three age-based categories: veal (7 to 12 months less one day), baby beef (12 to 16 months less one day), and young bulls (16 to 36 months).
• Calves may not be weaned until they are at least five months old, and dams must be fed on dehesa and native Extremaduran pasture throughout the year.
• Birth, rearing, slaughter and cutting must all take place within the delimited geographical area; no stage may be carried out outside it.

Tasting notes

Extremaduran beef IGP from native Avileña-Negra and Retinta breeds. Robust flavored meat from dehesa-fed cattle.

HoReCa use

Extremaduran cuisine.

Packaging

• Same as other beef IGPs