Identifying the Potential of Old and Rustic Pig Breeds: Basque Black Pied for Crafting High-Quality Cured Food Products

Abstract

The Basque Black Pied breed (BBP breed) is a rustic and old pig breed, well adapted to the environmental and productive conditions of the Navarre mountains. Nonetheless, the threat of competition from other, more productive breeds has pushed this local pig to the brink of extinction. A study has been conducted to assess the quality of cured products derived from the meat of this breed. For this purpose, the characteristics of the BBP breed pig carcasses and the organoleptic quality of the cured raw products have been studitab;eed and compared with those obtained from the 50% Large White × 25% Landrace × 25% Piétrain breed (LWLP breed) used as a control. Comparatively to pigs of the LWLP breed, carcasses of the BBP breed showed lower percentages of lean meat and higher percentages of fat coverage, loins, and intramuscular fat content. Expert judges evaluated the appetizing aroma and flavor of the cured raw products from the BBP breed, their texture, and their general impression. The scores of sensory attributes shown by the sausages (the “Sarta” and “Vela” chorizos) indicate the necessity of optimizing and personalizing their curing process to realize the full potential of the distinctive meat.