Canary Black Suckling Pig Canary black suckling pig is the only indigenous pig breed on the Archipelago, and is included in the Official Catalogue of Spanish Livestock Breeds. Our pigs are included in the list of Special Protected Breeds, as they are in danger of becoming extinct. Along with the many successive waves of human population, pig populations from varying different origins were brought in, mainly from the north of Africa and the west of the Mediterranean. The arrival of further breeds from the Iberian Peninsula and the British Isles led the emergence of a multi-racial group different from other groups, who adapted perfectly to the unique and varied surroundings of the Canary Archipelago.
Characteristics of Canary Black Suckling Pig This is a rustic animal that has adapted to its environment. Its skin is rough and covered in long, thick black hairs, in a threadbare fashion, revealing its dark skin. It has a small head and a short snout, and long, wide ears. Its tail is straight and points downwards with no spiral, while its hooves are black in colour. This breed, thanks to its types of muscular fibre, boast optimum qualities for obtaining meats with high levels of fats rich in omega 3 acids and “good” polyinsaturates, which is reflected in the reddy tones of its meat making it that much more juicy, characteristics which are highly appreciated by consumers. In 2012 the Cabildo de Gran Canaria granted the Canary Black Suckling Pig the Gran Canaria Quality Brand, a guarantee which other producers are joining in with more and more. Under this protective banner, the meat of the black suckling pig meets a series of requirements related to the habitat, feeding and sacrifice of the animal, which go into insuring the superior quality of the end product.
Canary Black Suckling Pig
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