Radcliffe Butchers

      
Mark's Pigs
Our Pork comes from Barroose Farm in Baldrine where Mark Baines of Gellings Free Range Eggs has successfully introduced free range Pigs to his farm. Mark Breeds Gloucesteshire Old Spot Old Spots which are the oldest spotted pedigree in the world and Large black pigs. In fact it is Britain’s only all black pig. A good all round pork pig best known for its succulent joints. Mark's pigs are kept outdoors in woodland where they are allowed to grow at a natural pace, maturing much more slowly. This results in pork which has a greater depth of flavor, is succulent, tender and juicy.
The traditional rare breeds were bred for outdoor life and have a higher fat content than much of the modern meat available. This fat greatly enhances the flavor and succulence of the pork and it is therefore important to cook the pork with its fat. People who do not wish to eat the fat should think of it in the same way as the sediment found at the bottom of a good bottle of wine. - You don't need to drink it, but it needs to be there. History The Large Black originated mainly in Devon and Cornwall though there was a smattering of smaller pigs in East Anglia as well. In 1899 the breed society was founded and this led to a greater exchange of stock between the two regions. The popularity of these pigs was such that they were exported to over 30 countries. However in the 1960s the trend changed, favoring white skinned pigs and the breed went into rapid decline. Fortunately there is now renewed interest in these and the other rare breed pigs which are much appreciated for their succulent taste and eating quality.
Despite the recent interest in Large Blacks they are still identified by the Rare Breeds Survival List as Vulnerable. This means there are less than 300 registered breeding sows left in this country. 

Free Isle of Man Delivery On Orders over £25 To Home or Work

Next Day Delivery U.K

Orders are packed in Temperature Controlled Boxes or Bags to Keep you Meat Fresh and at the correct temperature