Shopping for Gloucester Old Spot

The Old Spot is sometimes referred to as the garden pig. Traditionally kept in orchards, they have black spots that are anecdotally attributed to falling apples that bruise the pig. The Gloucester Old Spot is one of the best known British pigs and is highly sought after.

In the 1960s, the number of Old Spot began to decline rapidly so much that they were registered with the Rare Breeds Trust. They are now listed as “vulnerable” status thereafter and have been downgraded to a “minority” race instead.

With the numbers declining, the breed was registered about forty years ago with the Rare Breeds Trust because the number of breeding sows was found to be extremely low. Since that intervention, the race has gone from being “vulnerable” to “minority”.

Gloucester Old Spot pigs are especially hardy and thrive living outdoors even in the coldest winters, protected by their layer of back fat. Their floppy ears cover their faces and their docile manner makes them more endearing. They are also very good mothers.

Pigs are very good housekeepers and they make sure that the dirt outside their sty is kept very clean. They love interacting with those who care for them and enjoy nothing more than a scratch on the back or a good pat.

Rolling around in a wallow in hot weather provides them with a layer of mud that protects them from the sun. Contrary to popular belief, pigs can get sunburned.

It is necessary to allow rare breed pigs to grow slowly. All used cuts of them are best cooked slowly and bathed in fat for incredible flavor. Most of the quality pork available is from this breed.

As with other food products like Parma ham and Stilton cheese, Old Spot has taken on a status of its own. When it is sold with the TSG label, you can be sure it comes from purebred registered pigs.

Whether it is chosen for a traditional Sunday roast for the most incredible crunch, or for grilling slices of pork belly or steaks, the meat will never fail the ‘taste test’.

Hugely versatile, and whether it’s making pork burgers, delicious sticky ribs, or a traditional Sunday roast, the steak will never fail to disappoint.

When shopping for Gloucester Old Spot, keep in mind that it is one of the oldest pedigree spotted pigs in the world. You can be sure that buying this breed provides some of the best pork and bacon flavors available.