Black Pork of Nebrodi or Black Pork of Madonie is an autochthonous Sicilian breed with very ancient origins. The first testimonies and fossil remains found in the wooded areas of Nebrodi inform us of the presence of these animals since the Greek and Carthaginian period, between the 7th and 6th centuries BC. Everybody in the Nebrodi area knows  this particular and wild breed of pig, but, outside this discrict, few people knows the characteristics of Black Pork and its unique value.

Origins of Black Pork breeding: already  present 700 years B.C.

The first breedings in Sicily of this pig dates back to the Carthaginian times. After the fall of Roman empire, this type of husbandry was influenced by customs and traditions of all the peoples  who dominated Sicily during the centuries.  A striking example of this situation could be found with the stop that black porck’s husbadry underwent during the Arab domination in the ninth century. This suspension was prolonged until the Norman conquest the island, which took place more than a century later.

A breed once widespread in all Sicily

Black Pork husbandry, contrary of what the people think, was not only a prerogative of the Nebrodi territory. Centuries ago, this breed was equally spread throughout Sicily and this condition remained constant at least until the middle of the twentieth century. In each geographical area, this particular breed took on a different name (Sicilian Black, Black of the Madonie, etc..), in order to distinguish the specific origin of the animal. During the twentieth century,  economic and social  subsequent changes occurred on the island delimited the husbandry area of thesetype of  pigs to the area of North Eastern Sicily. This tradition is still carried on with passion

Why only in the Nebrodi area?

Why does this breed continue to survive only in Nebrodi’s area? The explanation is very simple: the orography of these mountain areas, with its narrow and parallel valleys, favors the natural segregation of the groups of this type of pig present, with a consequent preservation of a wide genetic variability.

Characteristics that make it unique in the world

The Black Pork of Nebrodi  takes its name from the characteristic color of its skin and meat. The typical specimen of this race is medium-small in size compared to other breeds and its has a height at the withers of  adult male around an  average 60-65 cm tall . In adults, the thickness of the skin  can also reach two centimeters and its form, at the level of shoulder blades, a sort of armor.  Black porks  also have a fur made of very long bristles which form a mane on the back capable of rising. This mane is very useful to the animal, as it allows it to show discomfort and irritation. Some specimens may have a totally or partially white face and, because of this particular characteristic, they are nicknamed "faccioli". It is a very rustic animal, with long limbs and developed claws, and it turns out to be an excellent walker and suitable to be bred in the wild.

Why is it Black?

Where does this characteristic dark coloration of Black Pork originate from? Several studies have shown that the black color derives from the typical food that this breed has ate during the centuries: a diet rich in melanin, a substance contained in the gravels they mainly eat. In particular,  a peculiar phenomenon occurs, the so called thesaurismosis. During this  process,  the lysosomal enzymes of pigs react with the phenolic substances present in acorns, originating an accumulation of colored metabolites in the tissues of the animal.

What if there was a black pig.... hybrid?

The husbandry of this race of pig in the wild has made it possible to mate it with wild boars. Boars were introduced into the territory of the Madonie Park by the Regional Forestry Corps. This cross-breeding has produced a very aggressive hybrid pig that is widespread in the Nebrodian territory.

What makes its meat so unique and tasty?

Why are the products obtained from this pig so valuable? Besides the peculiarity of the breed (which we can be found only in the Nebrodian area), the meat of this animal has unique characteristics that makes it a first choice product.One of its best qualities is  the presence of high quantity of  Omega 3 in its meat. In fact, black pork meat contains the same amount of Omega 3 as fish products.  Omega3, essential fatty acids for the health and well-being of the body, contribute to the maintenance of heart and brain function,  it maintain normal triglyceride levels and it bring wellness to vision and blood pressure. Our bodies do not produce Omega 3s, which is why it is important to consume foods rich in them.

Husbandry in the wild: this is the secret

Where does this high intake of Omega 3 come from? It seems that this characteristic depends on the type of husbandry. Black porks are raised in open air, free to roam in Nebrodi's woods. This way of  husbandry makes their diet mainly composed by acorns and roots, foods that allows the meat to develop a higher concentration of Omega 3. Moreover, freedom of movement allows the animal to avoid water retention, an aspect which greatly affects the cooking phase, during which there will be a minimum dispersion of liquids.

DOP and Slow Food Presidium

The Black Pork of Nebrodi  is one of the 144 Slow Food presidia present in Italy, but it has not yet managed to obtain the DOP mark (Denominazione di Origine Protetta). This mark  is essential to avoid counterfeiting on the market and to let the world know the real goodness of this native breed.

If you want to know more about DOP and Black Pork, we leave you the link to a short report of Tgr Sicilia by Ernesto Scevoli, where this delicate issue is discussed.

Taste the Nebrodi directly at home!

Did we make you curious and maybe even a little 'mouth watering? Don't worry!On our online shop there is a wide choice of Nebrodi Black Pig cold cuts: sausage, the famous and typical "Buccularu", mortadella and prosciutto crudo.  Take a look and order your black pork sausage online now!

Remember that Black Week is approaching and we have a super surprise for you! Only on November 27th there will be exclusive discounts on Black Pig products on our shop .... We don't do Black Friday... We do Black Porkday!