The Principled Pig, a small-scale family run smallholding in Aberdeenshire rearing a small number of animals, ensuring quality and taste.
On a glorious, crisp Autumn morning in Aberdeenshire last month, Michelle and I met up with Andy & Anna Custard, the husband and wife team behind The Principled Pig.
Two phone calls laster for directions we were met by Andy and Jack their friendly Labrador. The couple’s small holding is on the road between Inverurie and Kemnay, with fantastic views over Bennachie.
We were met by the 4 pigs in residence, Oxford Sandy & Black breed. The couple have decided to start small. A friend provided them with some wise words, animals are easy to buy; fairly easy to rear; but you’ve got to be able to sell the meat at the end. Therefore, taking heed of this advice Andy and Anna have set aside an area of their small holding for the rearing of their pigs.
Customers interested in buying their product can pop along to Huntly and Inverurie farmers markets. The couple currently sell their barbecued goods at both markets. However their primary goal is to provide outside catering at private parties, events and weddings.
Andy generously gifted us some of his lovely pork to cook and try for ourselves. With a nice layer of fat around the meat, we knew this pork wouldn’t need too much done to it.
We cooked up all the pork and enjoyed it with our families last Friday night. Pot-roasting the pork gigot in onions and a little red wine is and ideal cooking method for as it keeps it full of flavour and really tender. To add to the pork I made a rich gravy using the pork shank. I’m really fussy when it comes to gravy so 2 days to make a beautiful shiny gravy and well worth the effort. We kept the pork ribs really simple, marinating them overnight in Angus & Oink Moomami rub, then cooked low and slow, simple but full of flavour.
Some photos of our delicious dinner:
Well treated, hand-reared pigs and it shows in the flavour of the meat. We highly recommend The Principled Pig and if you see them at a farmers market give their pork a taste. This is a high quality product.
Check out our recipe for Pork wrapped with Bacon & Sage or our Spiced Pork Bonbons for some great ideas using pork.
Buy local and support your local producers. For some other great local producers see Piggery Smokery for quality bacon and Barra Bronzes for premium free-range Turkey.
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