The Heritage breeds of pigs are nothing new. They have been raised on mixed-use farms for centuries.  Most farmers kept a few hogs on their property so the food chain would work beautifully. These heritage breeds are naturally thrifty and live off the land grazing on grass, grains and some waste from the farm.

 

Being outdoors and rummaging on the entire farm has two benefits to the pig. First, more movement equals more muscle. Second, the pig regulates its body temperature through colder climates with more fat.

 

These traits of firmer flesh and good marbling used to be revered and then the low-fat-diet fad hit the scene. The trend became leaner is better and “The other white meat” was born.  Because of the demand, farmers were forced to raise a leaner hog, which means little fat and ability to stay outdoors. This has led to a very lean and mild white pork meat. 

 

Heritage breeds are making a comeback. While they are a bit more expensive, they are worth it. At BRM, we sell a Berkshire/Duroc cross breed.  The easiest rule with heritage breeds is they will be meatier than the typical grocery store brand and have more marbling. This makes the meat almost creamy. Since most heritage breeds need space, they are raised more humanly and handled with care. A low stress environment means better meat.

 

Both, Duroc and Berkshire are more flavorful, fattier and “porkier” than "white pork". Duroc pigs are red in colour and the meat is a beautiful, almost fuchsia rich pink. It has a nice combination of meat to fat ratio and is a crowd pleaser with its crisp clean taste and texture.

Berkshire pigs have marbling in the crimson piece of meat resembles something like a prime piece of beef. The fat melts through the meat making it luscious and buttery with a smooth mouth feel as it melts on the tongue. Berkshire has an intense flavor. It’s juicy and smoky with a creamy finish.

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Let the pork speak for itself and only use salt and pepper for your first preparation and cook to 145 degrees. Let it rest for three minutes.

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Be warned - once you've tried our Pastured Pork, there's no turning back!