The breed of pigs behind our pork: Berkshires

The Berkshire breed originates from the shire of Berks in the southern region of England. The excellent carcass quality from Berkshire pigs was desired by the Royal Family. The Royals even had their own herd of Berkshire pigs at Windsor Castle, which itself is also located in Berkshire County.

Berkshire pigs were brought to America in the 1800s. In 1875, Berkshire breeders in the USA came together to form the American Berkshire Association to distinguish purebred Berkshires with direct lineage from England. Today’s Berkshires are considered a heritage breed because they trace back to Berkshire pigs from England.

At Bravo, we raise purebred Berkshire pigs. We raise our pigs outdoors on pasture, aside from the first few weeks of their life when we keep sows and their newborn piglets inside an old-barn-turned-maternity-ward to protect them from the elements.

Berkshire pork is known for its premium pork qualities - darker, firmer, and well marbled meat that produces juicy, flavorful, tender, and palatable pork.

The following is a description of Berkshire pork, published in the first Breed Publication in 1876:

“The Berkshire meat is better marbled than that of any other breed of swine. That it has a greater proportion of lean freely intermixed with small, fine streaks of fat making the hams, loins, and shoulders sweet, tender, and juicy.”