Healthy, happy pigs. Here at Orce Serrano Hams we choose our hams very carefully. This involves visiting pig farms to see how the pigs are raised - animal welfare is a top priority.
In Andalucia all of our suppliers pay their pigs extra special attention producing some prime hogs and in turn resulting in some exquisite cuts of pork. This month Jamie Oliver is on another campaign investigating how pigs are reared both in the UK and Europe.
"In a Channel 4 special this month, Oliver will investigate how pigs are reared in the UK and on the Continent, where factory farms supply cheaper meat to British supermarkets." - INDEPENDENT
Below: Typical rearing in the Granada region, plenty of room, no overcrowding.
Practices do differ between countries and there are many factors involved ie: in Spain we have a more favourable climate so outdoor rearing has always been the natural way of doing things. Iberian pigs of course have free reign over the acorn meadows in certain regions and could be regarded as "true" free range.
The issue of welfare, quality of product etc carries through to the secadero's (curing houses) with some of our suppliers being regularly "spot" inspected up to six times a year. A good thing as the exceptionally high standards are not allowed to fall, we have yet to meet a pig farmer or secadero owner who is not fiercely proud of his operation.
6 comments:
Hey I just have to pop by to tell you, last Sunday we have a feature on spanish ham, not very many imports yet but soon and we can't wait to sample some.
Your title for this one just about sums me up, Mac!
Hmm.. interesting. The place looks very clean. I guess pigs do live in a clean environment.
Shionge: Many thanks for passing by with the info. I agree not many imports to your country yet but hopefully soon that will be rectified so you can enjoy Spains finest! As a business we are currently awaiting information from customs and H&S in Singapore so watch this space!
Sheffy: Happy and healthy! Two of the most important things in life..
Cutie: Thanks for passing by again, I must get to your blog for those fabulous recipes of yours. Regarding the animals it is good to see them out in open spaces, yes its clean, a pig is actually one of the cleanest animals...!
Post a Comment