One of the things I enjoy most about eating pork is tasting the different breed varieties. For almost two years, I have been obsessed with Berkshire ham. It's like no other ham I have ever eaten before. That was until I tried Red Wattle ham.
Red Wattle ham is by far the most juicy, tender, and succulent ham. After taking a bite of this mouthwatering meat, a billion different recipe ideas starting going off in my mind. For starters, this would be great ham to use in a Cuban sandwich.
Red Wattle is one out of the many dozens of pig varieties in the United States that are at risk of becoming extinct due to industrial agriculture. Farmers stopped breeding the different varieties, because customers stopped buying them. The only way to prevent Red Wattle from extinction is to support the farmers that still breed them. Read on to find out Red Wattle's origin, history, and where you can purchase it.
Origin and History: Red Wattle pigs originated in New Caledonia. In the 18th century, they were brought to the New Orleans. For many years they roamed through the forests of Texas. Today, Larry and Madonna Sorell in Glasco, Kansas, direct a network of four families who are among the last in the world raising the Red Wattle.
Where you can buy it: There are few stores that sell Red Wattle pork. And, if they do, they're likely not to sell it consistently. There are not enough Red Wattle pigs for a store to sell regularly. In NY, you can find it occasionally at Dean & Deluca, Fairway Market, and Formaggio Essex. The best place to order Red Wattle pork is online from Heriatge Foods USA .
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