Description
The Carne Cachena da Peneda PDO beef is derived from the Cachena breed of cattle. This is a native rustic mountain breed of the Serra da Peneda, do Soajo and Amarela.
Production Area
Carne Cachena da Peneda PDO beef is produced in the municipal areas of Arcos de Valdevez and Ponte da Barca, in the Viana do Castello district.
Production Method
these cows are led to the high mountain pastures of the Serra where they are left to graze on the natural, predominantly and principally Atlantic vegetation.
Appearance and Flavour
Carne Cachena da Peneda PDO beef is pale pink to light red in colour. It is moist, very succulent and tender.
History
The origins of Carne Cachena da Peneda PDO are linked to the first known references to the Cachena breed, dating back to the start of the 20th century. In 1976, an expert on Portuguese cattle, in particular reference to the cows in the Peneda-Gerês national park, counted the presence of 6,000 cows, 50% of which belonged to the Cachena breed.
Gastronomy
Carne Cachena da Peneda PDO must be kept at a low temperature which should not exceed 7°C. It is never frozen unless this is done immediately, at source, at the time of butchering. Once bought, the meat can only be kept in the fridge for a few days. This beef is especially appreciated roast in the oven, such as in the cases of lombos (loin) and acém (sliced shin of veal containing marrowbone stewed in wine with vegetables). It is used in the preparation of guisados which is cooked very slowly over a low flame, estufados, which is a classic oven-cooked dish that can include a variety of ingredients and cozidos à moda do norte. Cozido is a rich soup made with many ingredients that can vary from area to area but always include beans, potatoes, cauliflower, white and green cabbage, carrots, rice, and of course beef.
Marketing
This beef is sold as Carne Cachena da Peneda PDO in two categories: Carne de Vitela, from bulls and cows aged between four and nine months and weighing between 70 kg and 120 kg; Carne de Novilho, from cows aged between 9 and 24 months with a weight of between 120 kg and 210 kg. It is sold whole, in halves or prepacked and clearly defined and labelled in cuts and joints.
Distinctive Features
Carne Cachena da Peneda PDO beef comes from small cows with spiral horns. In the Sierras de Minho these cattle are herded together into vezeiras, which means herds of cows belonging to different farmers all graze together and in rotation.
