 Pampered pigs make perfect pork |
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THE TAMWORTH
In scientific taste tests at Bristol University, commercial and rare breeds were pitted against each other and Tamworth pork came out as the favourite.
The Tamworth is the oldest pure breed in our country and thought to be descended from the old indigenous species, the Old English Forest pig. At the end of the 18th Century, when many native breeds were crossed with Chinese and Neapolitan stock, the Tamworth was left alone as it was not fashionable. After World War II, breeding stock numbers fell dramatically - to a point during the 1970's when there were only 17 surviving boars. From 1976 onwards, efforts were made to increase boar numbers by importing them, it worked but this breed is still at risk. THE BERKSHIRE The BPA says that, "Cromwell's troops when quartered in Reading, made reference to a locally bred pig renowned for its size and the quality of its bacon and ham. This turned out to be one of the earliest records of the Berkshire breed."
Just like the Large Black, the Berkshire suffered a serious decline in popularity following World War II when the demand for leaner meat from white-skinned pigs increased. The Berkshire is a pork pig and not often used for bacon. It is very popular in Japan where buyers consider Berkshires from Britain to have the best taste and flavour. You can order your pork by email: info@muddylovely.com.
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The LARGE BLACK
"They are distinguished by their gigantic size, they are the largest of the kind I have ever seen, and as perfect a make as possible in pigs.
"Their heads are large, with very long ears hanging down on each side of the face, so they can scarcely see their way."
The Large Blacks are known for their size and their big lop ears. The piglets look like miniature elephants from behind! The Pedigree breed is said to originate from the Old English Hog established in the 16th and 17th centuries. By the late 1880s there were two distinct types of Large Black, one to be found in East Anglia and the other in Devon and Cornwall.
It has a long body, and is known for producing large litters. The Large Black is Britain's only all-black pig. It's a hardy breed and suited to the free range life and our weather!
Growing Popularity
A change in demand by the meat trade and a developing prejudice against coloured pigs led to a severe decline in numbers throughout the 1960s. Today Large Blacks can be found throughout the British Isles, mainly in small herds, some of which were established well before World War 2.
With many people buying rare breed pork the Large Black's future looks brighter. They are famous for their gorgeous pork and show stopping bacon. If the breed finds its way into more shopping baskets then the number of breeding sows will increase and the population will steadily rise each year. If you want to know more about the breed and find suppliers near you please visit the official breeders' club.. |
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Sign up for some lovely pork today! Orders can be collected from the farm in Bolney, West Sussex. There's a vineyard nearby, the Old Mill Farm orchard selling lots of varieties of fresh apples and apple juice, there's a lovely walking route and some great country pubs, so you really can enjoy your visit! Email: info@muddylovely.com Supply is limited as we are a very small, small holding - perhaps the smallest in Sussex! Get your order in now! |
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The Tamworth is Britain's only red pig and according to scientists, it is the tastiest!
The Berkshire is black in colour, with prick ears, white socks, a white tip to tail and a white flash on face.
