Description
The Botillo del Bierzo PGI is various different parts of minced swine cooked in a pig's intestines. The cuts used are spare-ribs, tail, jaw, tongue, shoulder blade and back, to which salt, garlic, spices and paprika are added.
Production Area
Botillo del Bierzo PGI is produced in the territory of Bierzo, in the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León.
Production Method
Botillo del Bierzo PGI is produced in various stages over a period of five days. The first operation is the selection of raw materials and of the intestines. The most used cut is the spare-rib (65-90%) and the tail (10-20%) then according to the product the jaw, tongue, shoulder blade, back can be added. Once the meat has been minced, flavoured with salt, paprika, garlic and other spices it is subject to a vigorous mixing. The resulting paste is then put into the intestines and undergoes the smoking process via oak wood. The smoking process takes at least a day and then the oven drying which lasts from between two to five days allows the Botillo del Bierzo PGI to lose part of its water content and so acquire a better consistency.
Appearance and Flavour
Botillo del Bierzo PGI comes in an oval shape, slightly irregular depending on the intestine used. It is dark red and weighs between 500 and 600 gr, with a firm and compact consistency. Its flavour is intense and the consistency homogenous. Once cooked for eating it gives the aroma of cooked pork and natural spices.
History
The origin of Botillo del Bierzo PGI goes back to the pre-Roman era, in fact the word Botillo comes from the latin Botellus which means sausage, salami. Further information on the product can be traced back to the medieval period. After the discovery of America, in the 12th century, people started to grow peppers which led to the incorporation of paprika, one of the principal ingredients in Botillo.
Gastronomy
Botillo del Bierzo PGI must be kept in a dry place and well-ventilated place. Half-seasoned Botillo is eaten after cooking (two hours per kg) and it can be used in the preparation of various recipes; it goes well with potatoes, vegetables, chickpeas and rice. It is also a base ingredient for stuffing in cannelloni, vegetable roulade and savoury cakes.
Marketing
The product is sold as Botillo del Bierzo PGI. It is sold whole, tied to a cord from which it is hung.
Distinctive Features
The use of the particular cuts of pork meat, the preparation period and the smoking mean that Botillo del Bierzo PGI is a unique product. It is a sausage which is very versatile and greatly appreciated for its distinctiveness.
