Supermarket pork often lacks flavor, with a spongy texture that leaves little to savor. That’s why most conversations about pork revolve around cured bacon or smoked barbecue roasts, rather than the meat itself. But our pork is different—juicy, rich, and brimming with the flavor that only comes from natural, pasture-raised pork fat.
We believe the best-tasting pork comes from heritage breeds raised outdoors on a diet of non-GMO feed and a variety of forage. Unlike conventionally farmed pigs, which are some of the most confined animals in industrial agriculture, our pigs enjoy a natural lifestyle. They dig for roots, forage for various plants and tubers, and nap under bushes or trees, choosing these over their feed rations and manmade shelters whenever possible.
Heritage Breed, Naturally Raised
Our pigs are Gloucester Old Spots, a rare heritage breed. Born and raised outdoors, they thrive in the forest and blackberry thickets bordering our pastures. We provide them with fresh water, shelter, and ample space to roam, root, and explore.
As they forage, our pigs help improve soil health by turning over forest litter and clearing brush that could otherwise pose a wildfire risk. They even help us maintain pastures by controlling weeds. To protect the mature trees, we rotate them through different areas.
The Truth About Pigs and Cleanliness
Pigs aren’t “dirty” animals. In fact, given enough space, they’re the cleanest livestock on a farm. They instinctively separate their “bathroom” areas from where they eat and sleep—a behavior not seen in many other animals. (For example, chickens will poop in their food if it’s not covered!)
The myth of dirty pigs comes from industrial systems where pigs are confined in filthy, cramped conditions. Naturally raised pigs, like ours, enjoy mud baths to cool off on hot days—much like a trip to the spa for humans! Compared to conventionally raised chickens or feedlot cattle, pasture-raised pigs are far cleaner.
Flavorful Pork From Healthy, Fatty Pigs
We don’t raise lean pork. If you’re looking for “the other white meat,” this isn’t the place. Our Gloucester Old Spots are known for their high-quality fat, which is essential for flavor and juiciness. These pigs are bred to forage outdoors, not sit idle in barns.
We also believe that pasture-raised pork fat is a nutritional powerhouse. It contains a high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids—similar to the heart-healthy fats in olive oil—and naturally stores vitamin D, especially in the meat and fat of the loin. This is particularly beneficial for overcast PNW winters!
The fat from heritage pigs is exceptionally flavorful and helps keep the meat tender and juicy when cooked. While you don’t have to eat the fat, we recommend keeping it on during cooking for the best results.
A Balanced, Natural Diet
In addition to the forage they find in pastures and woods, including blackberries, locally sourced apples, pears and pumpkins, our pigs are fed a locally-mixed, non-GMO (no corn or soy) feed ration. This combination of natural foraging and high-quality feed creates pork that’s both delicious and nutritious.
If you’d like to know more about our pork or how it’s raised, feel free to ask!
