Description
The Cabrito da Gralheira PGI kid meat is produced from the Serrana breed of goat which populates the northern area of Beira Litoral. 4.373 goat breeders produce 230 tonnes of kid meat per year.
Production Area
Cabrito da Gralheira PGI is produced in the municipal areas of Arouca, Vale de Cambra, São Pedro do Sul, Oliveira de Frades, Vila Nova de Paiva and Castro Daire, in the Aveiro and Viseu districts.
Production Method
As in other areas of Portugal, where goat breeding is an important activity, these animals suit the marginal land areas very well, where they can graze on wild grasses and shrubs. This gives the meat its much appreciated and characteristic flavour. The Cabrito kid is slaughtered within its first year, when it has reached a weight of approximately 6 kg.
Appearance and Flavour
Cabrito da Gralheira PGI is a very tender and lean meat. It is pink in colour and has a characteristic flavour which can be attributed to its natural diet.
History
The hardy life style of the inhabitants of the Serre da Gralheira, Caramulo, Montemuro and Nave has often been sung about by famous Portuguese song writers, who also make many references to Cabrito da Gralheira PGI and its importance in the diet of the local population, so much so that it is also the reason for many local festivals and celebrations.
Gastronomy
Cabrito da Gralheira PGI must be stored at a temperature of 7°C, or between -18°C and -20°C if it is frozen. Once bought the meat can only be kept a few days in the fridge. This meat is usually cooked in the oven or stewed or grilled on wood fires. It is an ingredient in many local, traditional recipes, the most famous of which being the so-called assadeira. To make it the Cabrito da Gralheira PGI is first stuffed with a mixture based on traditional local sausages and the offal of the animal. It is then fried with onion and placed in a wood oven to roast. This meat is also used in the preparation of the famous chanfana, in which the abundant use of red wine ensures that the meat remains tender and moist.
Marketing
This kid meat is only sold as Cabrito da Gralheira PGI. It is sold whole, with the offal prepacked separately and without the tail, the lungs or the liver.
Distinctive Features
Cabrito da Gralheira PGI plays a leading part in the gastronomy of the delightful Sierras of Beira Litoral because of its unique high quality. It also symbolises many ancient traditions and local customs and is eaten at many popular and religious festivals such as at Christmas time and Easter time.
