Our Journey with Spanish Heritage Breeds
During our eight years in France, we discovered the exceptional Spanish Iberico pork from Spain and were captivated by the unique life cycle of the Iberico pigs. Our pigs are raised in accordance with strict Spanish laws ensuring humane practices and consistency. Completely free-range, they are never confined to indoor barns with one exception, when they are farrowing. They are then housed in a former horse stable with plenty of room for the sow and her piglets. Afterwards, they are returned to rotational grazing.
Evolution of The Iberian Pig
The Iberico pig’s ancestors can be traced back to the Neolithic period when domestic pigs from the Middle East were introduced to the Iberian Peninsula as part of the Neolithic package of animals namely, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. These early domestic pigs were likely descendants of wild boars (SUS SCROFA) in Spanish. They had become domesticated in regions of Anatolia, today’s modern-day Turkey around 9000 years ago. Neolithic farmers migrated into Europe and their pigs interbred with local wild boars along the way. Thereby enriching the genetic diversity of these animals upon arrival. These domesticated pigs were further crossbred with the native wild boar populations resulting in robust animals better suited to the Iberian environment. This deliberate crossbreeding aimed to enhance size and adaptability as native wild hogs were larger than their Middle Eastern counterparts. Over time these animals evolved into the Iberico pig we know and love today. They are better adapted to the Mediterranean Dehesa ecosystem and prized for their ability to forage on acorns and other natural resources.
Features and Benefits
In addition to the Iberico's unique genetics their distinctive physical traits are worthy of discussion also their dark coat often black or reddish brown long legs and a narrow snout make them excellent foragers. They possess a strong ability to deposit intramuscular fat contributing to exceptional marbling. Further benefits include exceptional meat quality renowned for its marbling and flavor. Iberico pork’s high intramuscular fat content gives the meat its tenderness and distinctive taste.
Their fat is rich in oleic acids similar to that found in olive oil which contributes to the meat’s health benefits including potential cardiovascular advantages.
Iberico pork is highly prized for making products like Jamón Iberico, chorizo, and other cured meats.
Furthermore, their global reputation elevates the value of Iberico farming operations. Additionally, the sustainability aspect is enhanced by the breed's ability to forage naturally as Iberico pigs help maintain the forest by eating nuts and brambles and trampling undergrowth reducing fire risk and supporting biodiversity.
Agrarianism is our Mantra
Agrarianism is a social and political philosophy that advocates for a return to subsistence agriculture, family farming, widespread property ownership, and autonomy. Those who adhere to agrarianism tend to value traditional forms of local community over urban modernity. Agrarian political parties sometimes aim to support the rights and sustainability of small farmers.
