"Life Without Bread"

[Gertrudes]

This pig was the original, natural pig in Europe. It is woolen and has such a thick layer of fat (insulation against cold) that it can be held on the pasture even in winter.

Thanks for that Data. I had never heard of it, but just a couple of minutes of research show mouth watering photos of fantastically fatty meat.

From: _http://woolypigs.com/_introduction.html

The Mangalitsa* (MON-go-leet-sa) was created in 1833 by the Hungarian Royal Archduke Jozsef.

Unlike all popular breeds of hogs, which are meat-type, the Mangalitsa is an extreme lard-type breed.

Meat-type breeds efficiently produce lean meat. Lard-type breeds produce high-quality fat and very marbled, juicy and flavorful meat.

Raised properly the Mangalitsa's genes allow it to produce some of the world's best meat and fat.
(...)
The special qualities of Mangalitsa fat allow it to be whipped like cream. The fat can be cured and served in thin slices.

The exceptional meat and fat quality of Mangalitsa set it apart and explain why professionals use it in ways they'd never use other pork.

Fat whipped like cream! Oh I would sure love to find Mangalitsa pork here in Uk... So far I've found nothing on the net, but it seems to be quite easily purchased in the US, so US members can be on the lookout.
I'll keep searching though, would love to try it out.

 

[anart]

So, in light of The List are veggies officially out? Sorry if this is a dumb question.

It depends on your body and what works best for you. From what I recall you're following the low carb diet really closely, so unless you're having problems when you eat veggies, I don't think there is any reason to remove them just because. Pay attention to your body and it will tell you!

 

[dugdeep]

My question to the forum is, will this be harmful (to eat pork fed a small amount of 'organic' grains) if I cannot find pasture fed pork here or online?This is what US Wellness Meats replied to my inquiry about pasture fed pork (I have to assume that it may not be true.)

I think the less grain they eat the better, but you have to do the best with what you can find/afford.
If you know the animals are eating grain, the main problem is the balance between omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. The grain fed ones will have more omega 6 (bad) than omega 3 (good). But if they've only eaten a small amount of grain (for say a month or so out of there full life) they'll probably still have a good balance.
The best option is to take omega 3 fish oil with the meal to help balance the omega 6 out.

I agree with RedFox. I have also been told the same thing by farmers and also wondered like someone in another thread "What did they eat before agriculture?". As with all things in this world, there are a lot of misinformed people who have good intentions so it's good that you continue to research. Do the best with what you can find and in the meantime, keep an eye out for other sources.

From what I can tell, pigs actually do eat some grains as a natural part of their diet. I think they basically eat everything. They're naturally foragers.

Over the summer I was fortunate enough to go out to a farm to see them raising pigs naturally (or near-naturally). The farmers had an area of grazing land for them that just had a bunch of swampy wild plants growing on it which the pigs would go munch on at their leisure. Some of the plants in this patch were grains, and the pigs were happily wolfing them down. In the fall they let the pigs wander into the apple orchard to eat all the apples that fall off the trees! Apparently the winter pork is absolutely divine as a result.

Of course, this small amount of grains is a far cry from a diet of entirely grains and soy that 'organic' pigs are often fed, but I think a little bit of grain feeding isn't unnatural for a pig. In fact, 'grass-fed pork' might be a bit of a misnomer since, as far as I can tell, no pig eats exclusively grass (they're actually omnivorous).

 

[seek10]

Do you know if the pig was fed any grains at all? I keep running into pig farmers (at farmers markets and by email inquiry) who are saying that their pigs need a small amount of grain along with being pasture fed in order to be nourished and to have the fat cover/marbling that they have.

My question to the forum is, will this be harmful (to eat pork fed a small amount of 'organic' grains) if I cannot find pasture fed pork here or online?This is what US Wellness Meats replied to my inquiry about pasture fed pork (I have to assume that it may not be true.)

The only source of grass-fed pork in the USA is www.cawcawcreek.com You will have to inquire about pork chop wishes.

I am looking into caw-caw. I have found a handful of other farms where the pigs are pasture fed only, but always the pigs are butchered elsewhere and the fat is trimmed. I have made about 15 inquiries.

I think there are others too. This is reply I got today from US Wellness Meats for the same question.

Thank you for your support! All of our cattle is 100% grass-fed and grass-finished. They never see starch (grains) in their diet from start to finish. Every beef product- from the steaks to franks and ground beef meets this criteria. We use no hormones, insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, no daily oral antibiotics, etc.

All of our pork products are compassionate certified, meaning they spend most of their days outside, weather permitting. Our pork comes from Heritage Acres which is a group of small, local Missouri farmers providing the finest quality, antibiotic-free pork.

 

[LQB]

From what I can tell, pigs actually do eat some grains as a natural part of their diet. I think they basically eat everything. They're naturally foragers.

Over the summer I was fortunate enough to go out to a farm to see them raising pigs naturally (or near-naturally). The farmers had an area of grazing land for them that just had a bunch of swampy wild plants growing on it which the pigs would go munch on at their leisure. Some of the plants in this patch were grains, and the pigs were happily wolfing them down. In the fall they let the pigs wander into the apple orchard to eat all the apples that fall off the trees! Apparently the winter pork is absolutely divine as a result.

Of course, this small amount of grains is a far cry from a diet of entirely grains and soy that 'organic' pigs are often fed, but I think a little bit of grain feeding isn't unnatural for a pig. In fact, 'grass-fed pork' might be a bit of a misnomer since, as far as I can tell, no pig eats exclusively grass (they're actually omnivorous).

Quite true as far as our experience goes. Some grains is a natural part of their diet. At times, our Large Blacks will shun the grains for whatever they find in the woods or adjoining pasture. They will also eat dead animals, dirt, piglet poop, hay. There are some weeds and vines that they really like. They have an amazing digestive tract. They are smart/intelligent and capable of strong bonding with each other and humans.

 

[stellar]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangalitsa

This pig was the original, natural pig in Europe. It is woolen and has such a thick layer of fat (insulation against cold) that it can be held on the pasture even in winter. It is even used to sanitize land which has been destroyed by floods or other natural forces. It's temper is very gentle, and you can keep the males together with the females and offspring.

Now get this: In the last century, 'they' have imported and introduced a naked, pink, lean pig from England, which you can't keep outside in winter, which is aggressive (you have to separate the males out, otherwise they will kill the offspring), and which has completely displaced the original, old Mangalitsa race. Today this new lean race is kept imprisoned, fed with starches from seeds (the EU even forbids feeding their natural food to them, like pasture and food leftovers), and is then in turn fed to the human masses.

How did 'they' manage to pull this off??

Luckily I've found a butcher who sells Mangalitsa bacon. And I can tell you, it's 90% up to 100% visible fat.

I never knew what the breed was called but these are the little beauties I was raised on. Smoked bacon was three inches thick with only veins of meat and so sweet and solid to cut. And yes, fed them exactly as the article said. A great breed, I think. :)

 

[Gertrudes]

They are smart/intelligent and capable of strong bonding with each other and humans.

This reminds me of what the author of "The Vegetarian Myth" said about pigs:

Torture also describes what happens to pigs, animals that are smarter then dogs, so smart in fact that if they had digits instead of hooves they could probably learn some rudimentary sign language.

Which can put into perspective the following quote from the latest session with the C's:

A: No not exactly. When humankind "fell" into gross matter, a way was needed to return. This way simply is a manifestation of the natural laws. Consciousness must "eat" also. This is a natural function of the life giving nature of the environment in balance. The Earth is the Great Mother who gives her body, literally, in the form of creatures with a certain level of consciousness for the sustenance of her children of the cosmos. This is the original meaning of those sayings.

Q: (L) So, eating flesh also means eating consciousness which accumulates, I'm assuming is what is being implied here, or what feeds our consciousness so that it grows in step with our bodies? Is that close?

A: Close enough.

Q: (Ailen) And when you eat veggies you're basically eating a much lower level of consciousness. (L) Not only that, but in a sense you're rejecting the gift and you're not feeding consciousness. And that means that all eating of meat should be a sacrament.

A: Yes

 

[Don Diego]

They are smart/intelligent and capable of strong bonding with each other and humans.

Oh yes!!!I sometimes visit one of my neighbors, he has some black pigs, and i can tell they behave exactly like a dog with him when he goes close to them,"wagging" their tails,lying on their back and demanding caresses and a lot of complicity...Talking about strong bonding!
And that's the main problem as we plan to rear 1 or 2 Mangalitsa (now we know which ones, Thanks Data!) to reform our too big kitchen garden now.
It will be a great challenge to fulfill our best their needs -both physically and "emotionally"- keeping in mind that their destiny is sealed, our plates and palates. They 'll literally sacrify for us. So how to not Love them and bond ?
Certainly a new thread will be soon necessary to keep you update

 

[Chu]

There is also the "porc noir de Bigorre", in France.

http://www.aubecfin.fr/fiche-jean-a-selectionne-23-_A_la_Decouverte_du_Fabuleux_PORC_NOIR_DE_BIGORRE.html

I recently called a breeder to ask for information, and it sounded really good. They funny thing was that he said: "I have to be honest with you: these pigs are so naturally fed, that I'm sorry to tell you they are VERY fat." Like that is a problem! I think he hasn't been reading this forum, Lol!

 

[SolarMother]

From what I can tell, pigs actually do eat some grains as a natural part of their diet. I think they basically eat everything. They're naturally foragers.

Over the summer I was fortunate enough to go out to a farm to see them raising pigs naturally (or near-naturally). The farmers had an area of grazing land for them that just had a bunch of swampy wild plants growing on it which the pigs would go munch on at their leisure. Some of the plants in this patch were grains, and the pigs were happily wolfing them down. In the fall they let the pigs wander into the apple orchard to eat all the apples that fall off the trees! Apparently the winter pork is absolutely divine as a result.

Of course, this small amount of grains is a far cry from a diet of entirely grains and soy that 'organic' pigs are often fed, but I think a little bit of grain feeding isn't unnatural for a pig. In fact, 'grass-fed pork' might be a bit of a misnomer since, as far as I can tell, no pig eats exclusively grass (they're actually omnivorous).

Quite true as far as our experience goes. Some grains is a natural part of their diet. At times, our Large Blacks will shun the grains for whatever they find in the woods or adjoining pasture. They will also eat dead animals, dirt, piglet poop, hay. There are some weeds and vines that they really like. They have an amazing digestive tract. They are smart/intelligent and capable of strong bonding with each other and humans.

This is great to hear! There were a few Mangalistas pigs on some of the farms I found, I just need to see if I can get any pork without the fat trimmed and I'll be set. Meanwhile, I do have Omega 3 with my meals.

 

[Don Diego]

Thanks Ailén,Yes we can see more and more breeders of porc noir de Bigorre each year around here mainly because of their highter price and added-value...However the Mangalitsa (wooly Pork) seems to be well more adapted to the coming freeze....Brrrrr!

 

[Gawan]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangalitsa

This pig was the original, natural pig in Europe. It is woolen and has such a thick layer of fat (insulation against cold) that it can be held on the pasture even in winter. It is even used to sanitize land which has been destroyed by floods or other natural forces. It's temper is very gentle, and you can keep the males together with the females and offspring.

Now get this: In the last century, 'they' have imported and introduced a naked, pink, lean pig from England, which you can't keep outside in winter, which is aggressive (you have to separate the males out, otherwise they will kill the offspring), and which has completely displaced the original, old Mangalitsa race. Today this new lean race is kept imprisoned, fed with starches from seeds (the EU even forbids feeding their natural food to them, like pasture and food leftovers), and is then in turn fed to the human masses.

How did 'they' manage to pull this off??

Luckily I've found a butcher who sells Mangalitsa bacon. And I can tell you, it's 90% up to 100% visible fat.

Thanks for that info, there is also a really funny name for that pig: woolly pig. :)

Today I bought my first organic pig-meat and it did taste very good and I like to spend a little bit more money on better meat now and to refuse to eat chicken or bird in general, it looks like these are the animals that get treated the most terrible too, unfortunately, from the industry farms.

 

[reborn]

Aloha, All!

The recent turn of this thread in the direction of eating pork has caught my interest, as I have been musing about it for a while since previous mentions of it. I haven't eaten much pork in my life, but I am increasingly intrigued by the continuing discussion. I am starting to see some compelling connections here. Could it be that pork is, indeed, our ideal food?

...there is the tendency of psychopathic patriarchal religions to forbid the eating of it. Why forbid it? [...]

Yes, "why?", indeed...Could there be a reason they don't want us to eat it? Does it give us some...power?

the following quote from the latest session with the C's:

A: No not exactly. When humankind "fell" into gross matter, a way was needed to return. This way simply is a manifestation of the natural laws. Consciousness must "eat" also. This is a natural function of the life giving nature of the environment in balance. The Earth is the Great Mother who gives her body, literally, in the form of creatures with a certain level of consciousness for the sustenance of her children of the cosmos. This is the original meaning of those sayings.

Is this a reference to a certain animal that is specifically meant for humans? Could these "creatures with a certain level of consciousness" be pigs? They certainly seem to be a unique animal that has a special intelligence and ability to bond with humans. And I wonder if that mention of "the Great Mother" is an allusion to this idea:

http://www.symbolic-meanings.com/2007/11/03/symbolic-meaning-of-pigs/

Quote

"In earlier cultures such as ancient Greece and Egyptian the pig (sow, specifically) was considered a Great Mother and were symbols of fertility and abundance. Here the pig was sacred to Isis, who embodied fertility. [...]

Pondering pigs,
Renee

 

[reborn]

Aloha, All!

Just wanted to remind you all, as I mentioned earlier, that eatwild.com is a very helpful resource for finding farms that offer pastured/natural-fed meats both locally available and shipped. My own experience has been having frozen meats shipped from US Wellness Meats a few times over the past year-and-a-half. I have gotten beef roasts, heart, liver, and tallow from them; all good quality, and I especially like their liver (which I eat raw). I'm just finishing up a five galllon bucket of their tallow, which has kept fine in the fridge for the past several months (that ships frozen, too, btw). Their $7.50 flat-rate handling fee with no shipping charges works great for me having it shipped here to Hawai'i ;) Most of the time, though, I get grass-fed beef raised here on the islands.

Hope this helps :)
Renee

 

[LQB]

Aloha, All!

Just wanted to remind you all, as I mentioned earlier, that eatwild.com is a very helpful resource for finding farms that offer pastured/natural-fed meats both locally available and shipped. My own experience has been having frozen meats shipped from US Wellness Meats a few times over the past year-and-a-half. I have gotten beef roasts, heart, liver, and tallow from them; all good quality, and I especially like their liver (which I eat raw). I'm just finishing up a five galllon bucket of their tallow, which has kept fine in the fridge for the past several months (that ships frozen, too, btw). Their $7.50 flat-rate handling fee with no shipping charges works great for me having it shipped here to Hawai'i ;) Most of the time, though, I get grass-fed beef raised here on the islands.

Hope this helps :)
Renee

My experience too Renee. I do especially like their tallow. Their bacon and marrow bones are also consistently good.