Our pigs
The native pig of the British Isles was a large, rangy, lop-eared animals that were kept in pannage systems (allow to forage in woodland), or later in the backyard sty of rural cottages. In the late eighteenth century there was an influx of small, fat, prick-eared pigs of Asian origin. The mingling of these two types formed the basis for the creation of all the native British breeds, and these were the dominant breeds until the second half of the twentieth century.
It is no coincidence that these old-fashioned breeds lost ground as farming became more intensive. These breeds couldn’t adapt and were left by the wayside to become rare as modern farming went with early-maturing stock from continental and north American origins which responded positively to new ways of farming and feeding. You literally cannot manage an old breed like a Large Black pig in a highly intensive system which is why they and so many others became rare in the first place – more than one or two breeds even became extinct within living memory.
The fact that these breeds are slower maturing means that they are older when they reach the right level of ‘finish’ and thus the meat has developed more flavour.
We currently keep three types of rare breed pig in our herd.
The Berkshire, Tamworth and Large Black. All three breeds are currently listed as vulnerable by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST).
There are several dual purpose rare breed pigs such as British Saddleback, Tamworth and Gloucester Old Spot which are very popular for small holders as they are great for both pork and bacon, however there are also breeds like the Berkshire and Large Black which have been bred to be the ‘best’ pork pig and the ‘best’ bacon pig. We have decided to champion their cause in our quest to produce the best food we can for our customers.
Today, nearly all the top chefs in the country specify meat from rare breeds, not because it’s a gimmick but because it really does taste so much better.
We live in the fourth largest economy in the world. We live busy lives and work hard. Why should we settle for a second rate products when it comes to food?
So if you are passionate about good food, give our pork and bacon a try.
