Hungarian eatable national treasure "Mangalica Pig"
"Mangalica", an alternative gourmet pork which has the same root as Iberico pig.
(1) Species : Where is Mangalica from? What kind of pig?
Not many people might know about "Mangalica Pig".
There are many species of pig such as Berkshire, Duroc, Iberico etc. "Mangalica" is one of them. It is an unique local race in Hungary. Once you see the pig, it is unforgettable because of its hairy and cute form reminds of sheep.
So that it is called "Wooly Pig".
The root of Mangalica is the same as Iberico. Mangalica has been famous in Europe from about the 19th century, but is hardly eaten due to it’s rareness.
(2) Breeding : Life of Mangalica
Mangalica Pig is mostly grown in Hungarian plain spread out along river Donau.
It is a grassy area where is hot and dry in summer and is windy and snowy in winter.
Shaggy Mangalica move around pasture or grove lively even though in snowy cold winter. They flounce breathing fresh air in vast land, eat natural foods such as pumpkin, beet and acorn and are bred freely without stressing.
(3) Characteristics of meat : Quality in the name of "National treasure"? An elegant pork?
Mangalica meat tends to be compared to well-known Iberico meat. However it is not merely comparable as the different species and country leads to different taste. One of features of Mangalica pork is it's high quality fat obtained through continuous exercise even in bitter Hungarian winter such as -30℃.
< Meat characteristics reminds of beef? >
Thick lean and melting fat. Fatty and marbling, Rich unsaturated fatty acid. This is a feature which is said as resemble to Iberico.
< Muscular Iberico, Delicate Mangalica? >
Folks who tasted Mangalica say it is noble and not too heavy. In contrast to muscular Iberico’s taste, Magalica has delicate taste. "Mangalica" melts in mouth and it's aftertaste is refreshing. It's superior taste of meat does not come forward too much. It’s aroma is not too much. It melts in the mouth. These are reasons why it is called "noble, dignify and elegant pork meat" out of superior pork meats.
(4) "Eatable National treasure"
Even in Hungary, Mangalica has been hardly available due to its rareness. However, Hungarian government decided to protect the species strictly and certified it as a national treasure. The nation put effort in protection and control in limited production. Therefore, it is a unique "eatable national treasure".
In Hungary, "Mangalica festival" is held every year to celebrate this national treasure. A Hungarian established brand "Pick" has now introduced Mangalica pork to Japan, so we are able to enjoy Hungarian "eatable National treasure" at last. Pick had been producing only Mangalica products until 1945. Therefore, they perfectly understood how Mangalica pig is important. Thus, Pick takes important role in protecting Mangalica as a Hungarian "National treasure". .
Images used on this web site are offered from Pick.