Description
The Presunto de Barroso PGI is a smoked raw ham made from the Bísara Transmontana PDO breed of pig which owes its unique flavour to the pig feed which is based on agricultural products such as rye, potatoes, cabbage, turnips and acorns etc. The hams are seasoned with garlic, salt, red wine and sweet paprika.
Production Area
Presunto de Barroso PGI is made in the municipal areas of Boticas, Chaves and Montalegre, in the Vila Real district.
Production Method
The pigs used for Presunto de Barroso PGI are between 16 and 18 months old, the male pigs being castrated at two months old. The ham is made from the leg which is dry salted and hand massaged, cured in salt for between two and four weeks and covered in olive oil seasoned with paprika. Finally it is smoked over oak wood for approximately two weeks.
Appearance and Flavour
Presunto de Barroso PGI is in a typical, rounded ham shape. The slices vary from dark to bright red in colour with lines of white to yellowish fat. It has a smoky aroma and a very pleasant taste.
History
The long history of Presunto de Barroso PGI is closely linked to the local rural tradition of pig keeping, which remains important for the local community and its economy today. Direct descendants of the javali have been present round Barroso since time immemorial. The pig has been almost worshipped since the Celtic period. In the mountains of Barroso many surnames and place names are derived from words relating to the breeding of pigs. In the Serras it is easy to find rocks and limestone carvings relating to these animals, for example those of Soutelinho, Meixide and Gerês.
Gastronomy
Presunto de Barroso PGI must be stored in a cool place. The lower the temperature at which it is kept the better its fine qualities will be preserved, particularly if it is already cut or sliced. It is best kept at a temperature of no more than 10-12°C. Presunto de Barroso PGI is sliced horizontally. It is an ideal accompaniment to an aperitif or eaten with a good melon as an excellent starter.
Marketing
This ham is sold as Presunto de Barroso PGI. It is sold whole, either on the bone or off the bone, in pieces or sliced. It is packed at source in appropriate packaging materials.
Distinctive Features
The Bísara breed of pig, originating with the Celts, is a large animal which can reach 1.5 metres in length. It has a well balanced proportion of meat and fat and the flavour is enhanced by the rich and varied diet on which the pigs are fed. In the past this pig risked being replaced by a more common pig, which however proved not easily adaptable to the particular conditions of the region and also produced less quantity of fat and therefore lower quality meat products. The reintroduction of the Bísaro pig from which Presunto de Barroso PGI is made was recently promoted thanks to the commitment of the Associação Nacional de Criadores de Suínos de raça Bísara.
