Description
The Carne de Bísaro Transmontano PDO is pork obtained from the Bísara breed of pig, which is the most common breed of pig in the north of Portugal.
Production Area
Carne de Bísaro Transmontano PDO pork is produced mostly in the districts of Bragança and Vila Real.
Production Method
The Bísara pig is reared in a semi-traditional way and feeds on the local vegetation, mostly chestnuts. The leitão or piglets are normally slaughtered at 45 days old by which time they have normally reached a weight of approximately 12 kg. The other cuts of pork come from older animals, from those of about eight months old and weighing at least 60 kg.
Appearance and Flavour
Carne de Bísaro Transmontano PDO pork is light red in colour and has a pinkish coloured fat. It is a soft and succulent meat with an exceptional flavour thanks to the quality, natural feed of the animals.
History
The origins of Carne de Bísaro Transmontano PDO can be found in geographical studies of the Tras-os-Montes area, such as the one conducted by Vergilio Taborda in 1932, who noted the importance of pigs in the rural life of the area. The Bísara breed of pig was already the most common even then, feeding in the great oak woods to the north of the area.
Gastronomy
Carne de Bísaro Transmontano PDO pork must be refrigerated at 2°C and must never be sold frozen. After it is bought it can be kept in the fridge for only a few days. Carne de Bísaro Transmontano PDO pork is used principally for the making of fumeiro, the famous Portuguese smoked sausages, such as salpição, chouriças de carne, alheiras, butelos, chouriços de pão and presunto. This pork is also used as an ingredient in traditional dishes such as rojões which are minced cubes of meat that are then fried, feijoada tramontana which is a bean soup cooked with the snout and the ears of the pig, písperneo cozido which is boiled pork shin and, lastly butelo acompanhado com cascas cozidas which is pork intestines cooked with beans.
Marketing
This pork is sold as Carne de Bísaro Transmontano PDO, regardless of the age or the weight of the animal. It is sold whole or in halves or prepacked in cuts and joints.
Distinctive Features
The chestnuts which constitute the principal feed of this pig give Carne de Bísaro Transmontano PDO pork its unmistakable and distinctive taste.
