Capocollo Black Pig from Nebrodi Whole Piece

NEBRODI BLACK PIG

 

This particular native Italian breed of pig widespread on the Nebrodi mountains, in Sicily, has very ancient origins: fossil remains and written documents testify the presence of these animals since the period of Greek and Carthaginian colonization (7th-6th century).

An early, rustic and long-lived breed, it is characterized by good fertility, has a good resistance to diseases and climatic adversities. The specimens grow slowly and produce fine meat.

It is raised in the wild and left free to roam the woods, eating acorns and the fruits of nature. The size is medium-small and its appearance is wild, characterized by a mane that is raised in case of agitation.

It has an elongated snout and long limbs, characteristics that make it a great walker. The hard clogs also allow him to move easily on the Nebrodi mountains.

It is an endangered breed (currently it is estimated the presence of about 2000 animals). The main factor that led to the reduction in the number of pigs of the Nero dei Nebrodi breed was the gradual disappearance of the woods that once covered a large part of the Sicilian hills, together with the strong introduction in the post-war period of more productive and economically favorable foreign breeds.

In recent years, however, there has been a decisive recovery in the breeding of this breed, on which several studies have been carried out aimed particularly at enhancing its production.