The guanches first introduced it when they settled the Islands over 2,000 years ago. They utilised its exquisite meat and fat for sustenance, the hide for clothing, and the bones for tools and ornaments. It is the Canarian black pig, regarded by numerous chefs as a delicacy. This sturdy breed of pig, of moderate size, gentle temperament, and dark fur, has recently received a significant acknowledgment: the Government of the Canary Islands has recognised it as an indigenous breed of the region.
The Vice President of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Lope Afonso, alongside the advisor of the Primary Sector, Valentine Gonzalez, announced this recognition yesterday with representatives from the Association of Black Canarian Pig Breeders. This endorsement will enable producers to utilise the quality mark. Afonso and Gonzalez made the announcement at El Helecho, located in the municipality of Arico, a farm owned by the Island Corporation, which has committed over three decades to the revitalisation of the Canarian black pig in collaboration with the president of the Breeders Association, Jesús Marrero, who also oversees the breed’s stud book.
This animal has existed in the Canary Islands since the time of the guanches. It is believed to have arrived from North Africa, alongside the first Berber settlers of the Islands, who, in turn, encountered them in Asia and the Mediterranean. However, the black pigs we recognise today have undergone various crossbreeds over the centuries, both with breeds from the Peninsula and those from the British Isles.
The Berbers from North Africa introduced these pigs when they settled the Islands over 2,000 years ago.
The Canarian Government states that due to industrialisation, this breed was nearly brought to extinction, but the Cabildo of La Palma took action and executed protection measures for a population centre on Isla Bonita, from which all existing breeds in the Archipelago are descendants. In the 1980s, public authorities began implementing policies to increase the number of these pigs, distributing females or pairs to farmers, significantly improving the current situation, which is undoubtedly much more favourable than in the past but still considered endangered; hence it is listed in the Official Catalogue of Livestock Breeds of Spain as a breed under special protection. Since 2001, regulations for the herd book of the Canarian black pig have been established, promoting the upkeep of its breed standard and minimising inbreeding.
The Arico farm, where the announcement was made yesterday, serves as an illustration of the protective measures for the Canarian black pig. From El Helecho, the Cabildo provides breeding animals to farmers, aiming for them to participate in the breed’s recovery while preventing the rise of inbreeding. Lope Afonso highlighted this collaboration between public administration and farmers, stating that “their efforts have led to the positive reception that the Canarian black pig enjoys on our island at present.” Afonso also noted that “this combined effort has resulted in 44.65% of the specimens of the Canarian black pig being located in Tenerife.”
A specimen of the black canary pig. | THE DAY
“The opportunity to use the indigenous breed logo is a reward for all the work accomplished thus far,” remarked the vice president, emphasising that “furthermore, the Cabildo actively promotes the product through advertising campaigns and gastronomic events, aimed at underscoring its value and supporting the gastronomy-tourism partnership.
Delicious dishes are crafted with black pork due to the outstanding quality of its meat, recognized for its beneficial fats for cholesterol. The population of this breed is increasing, and its availability in markets is becoming more widespread, facilitating consumption among the Canarians. Moreover, it now carries the native breed endorsement, enhancing its quality reputation.
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