#1 - Pigs For Sale in Sacramento - itsSOwonderful farm
Welcome to itsSOwonderful – our Mangalitsa pig breeding farm in Auburn and Sacramento California!
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We are a small-scale Mangalitsa (or Mangalica) breeder located just outside Sacramento, California. Our daily operations consist of caring for our beloved Mangalitsa pigs, providing lawn mowing services, and weed patrol to our local area. We are passionate about these magnificent creatures and take pride in the quality of our pigs and the meat they produce.
As a Mangalitsa breeder, we understand the importance of the terminologies used in the pig industry. Here are some terms that you may come across when you visit our farm:
- Gilt: A young female pig that has not given birth yet
- Sow: A female pig that has given birth
- Boar: A male pig that is used for breeding
- Stag: A male pig that has been castrated
- Barrow: A male pig that has been castrated before sexual maturity
Mangalitsa are a unique and rare breed originating from Hungary. They are known for their long, curly hair, which gives them a distinct appearance compared to other pig breeds. Their woolly coats keep them warm during cold weather, which is why they are often referred to as “sheep pigs.”
I have 3 kinds of Mangalitsa breeds: white belly, Royal Mangalitsa and hybrid (American Guinea Hog crossed with Royal or black Mangalitsa)
Mangalitsa are also known for the exceptional quality of their meat. Unlike conventional pork, Mangalitsa pork is known for its marbling, which results in a more flavorful and juicy meat. It is also higher in monounsaturated fats and lower in saturated fats, making it a healthier option for those looking to enjoy delicious pork while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Check out this YouTube video from Eater – The Super Pork Chop…
At our farm, we take great care to ensure our pigs are raised in a humane and natural environment. Our pigs are free-range, allowing them to roam and forage on pasture. We feed them a nutritious diet consisting of non-GMO grains, fruits, and vegetables, without the use of hormones or antibiotics. This results in a healthier, happier pig and a better-quality meat product.
We take pride in the quality of our Mangalitsa pigs and are committed to providing the best possible meat to our customers. We offer a variety of cuts, including bacon, pork chops, and roasts, all of which are available for purchase. We believe in transparency and encourage our customers to come visit our farm and see how our pigs are raised.
In addition to being a Mangalitsa pig breeder, we also offer lawn mowing services and weed patrol to clients in the local area. Our clients appreciate the natural, eco-friendly approach we take in caring for their lawns, which is similar to the way we care for our pigs.
If you are interested in learning more about Mangalitsa pigs or purchasing our delicious Mangalitsa pork, please contact us or visit our farm. We would love to share our passion for these amazing animals with you and introduce you to our beautiful Mangalitsa pigs.
Take a look at our Store Listing for pigs that are on sale – Pigs For Sale – itsSOwonderful.com
More about the Mangalitsa pig
The Mangalitsa pig, also known as the Mangalica, is a heritage breed of domestic pig that originated in Hungary. The breed is renowned for its woolly coat, which is similar to that of a sheep or a lamb. The Mangalitsa is a hardy pig that is well-suited to the harsh winters of Hungary, and it has a distinctive flavor that is highly sought after by chefs and food enthusiasts around the world.
The origins of the Mangalitsa can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The breed was developed by crossbreeding Hungarian pigs with wild boars, which resulted in a pig that was well-suited to the harsh climate and rugged terrain of the Carpathian Mountains.
The first official mention of the Mangalitsa pig breed can be found in a Hungarian agricultural journal from 1833, where it is described as having a woolly coat similar to that of a sheep. The breed became increasingly popular throughout the 19th century, and by the early 20th century, it was one of the most widely-recognized pig breeds in Hungary.
During the 20th century, the popularity of the Mangalitsa declined as more modern pig breeds were developed that were better suited to industrial farming methods. By the 1990s, the breed was on the verge of extinction, with fewer than 200 pigs remaining in Hungary.
However, a few dedicated breeders began to work to preserve the Mangalitsa breed, and by the early 2000s, the breed was making a comeback. Today, there are several hundred Mangalitsa breeders worldwide, and the breed is recognized by various agricultural organizations, including the Slow Food movement.
One of the reasons that the Mangalitsa is such a unique and valuable breed is its distinctive woolly coat. The coat is made up of two layers: a coarse outer layer of hair, and a soft undercoat of wool. The woolly coat allows the pigs to withstand cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions, and it also makes them less susceptible to skin diseases and parasites.
In addition to its woolly coat, the Mangalitsa is also known for its excellent meat quality. The breed produces marbled, flavorful meat that is highly sought after by chefs and food enthusiasts. The fat from Mangalitsa pigs is also highly valued, and is used to make traditional Hungarian dishes such as sausages, salamis, and bacon.
One of the keys to the Mangalitsa’s delicious meat is its diet. The pigs are raised on pasture, and are allowed to forage for food. They are also fed a diet of grains and other natural foods, which helps to enhance the flavor and quality of their meat.
The Mangalitsa is a slow-growing breed, and it typically takes about 18 months to raise a pig to maturity. This slow growth rate is one of the reasons that the breed fell out of favor with commercial farmers, but it is also what makes the meat so delicious. The pigs are given plenty of time to develop flavor and marbling in their meat, which results in a product that is highly prized by chefs and food enthusiasts.
In addition to its excellent meat quality, the Mangalitsa is also known for its gentle disposition and intelligence. The pigs are highly social animals, and are known to form close bonds with their human handlers. They are also highly adaptable, and can thrive in a variety of different environments and climates.
The state of the Mangalitsa breed in the US:
The Mangalitsa pig breed is relatively rare in the United States. While there has been a growing interest in the breed in recent years, the total population of Mangalitsa pigs in the country is still relatively small compared to other heritage breeds like the Berkshire or Tamworth.
One of the challenges facing the breed in the US is that it is relatively new, having only been introduced to the country in the early 2000s. As a result, there are few established breeders, and the pigs are still relatively unknown to many consumers. However, there has been a small but dedicated group of breeders who have been working to promote the breed and increase its popularity.
One of the benefits of the Mangalitsa breed is its versatility. The pigs are known for their flavorful meat, which is high in fat and marbling, making it ideal for charcuterie and other cured meats. The breed is also prized for its lard, which is considered by many to be the best in the world, and is highly valued by chefs and bakers.
Despite the challenges facing the breed, there has been a steady increase in the number of Mangalitsa breeders in the US in recent years. This is in part due to the growing interest in heritage breeds and the trend towards locally sourced and sustainable food. As more consumers become aware of the unique qualities of the Mangalitsa pig, demand for the breed is likely to continue to grow.
There are a number of organizations and associations dedicated to promoting and supporting the Mangalitsa breed in the US, including the American Mangalitsa Association and the Mangalitsa Breeders Association. These groups provide information and resources to breeders, as well as promoting the breed to consumers and chefs.
In terms of breeding, there is still much to learn about the Mangalitsa pig, as it is a relatively new breed in the US. One of the challenges facing breeders is the limited gene pool, which makes it important to carefully manage breeding programs to maintain genetic diversity and avoid inbreeding.
Another challenge is the fact that the Mangalitsa is a slow-growing breed, taking up to two years to reach maturity. This means that it can be more expensive to raise than other breeds, which may be a factor in its limited popularity.
Despite these challenges, the future of the Mangalitsa breed in the US looks promising. As more consumers become aware of the unique qualities of the breed, and as more breeders become involved in raising and promoting the pigs, it is likely that the Mangalitsa will continue to grow in popularity and become an established breed in the US.
There are several rare questions that people may have about Mangalitsa breed pigs. Some of these questions include:
What makes the meat of Mangalitsa pigs so unique?
The high fat content in Mangalitsa meat makes it unique. The fat is intramuscular, which means it is marbled throughout the meat, creating a richer flavor and a more tender texture. Additionally, Mangalitsa pigs have a different type of fat than other pig breeds, which is similar to the fat found in high-end beef. This makes the meat more flavorful and sought after by chefs and food enthusiasts.
How do Mangalitsa pigs differ from other pig breeds?
Mangalitsa pigs have several unique features that set them apart from other pig breeds. Their woolly coats, for example, make them easily distinguishable. They also have a slower growth rate and require more feed than other breeds, but their meat quality and flavor make them worth the investment for many farmers and consumers. Additionally, Mangalitsa pigs have a unique diet, which includes acorns, which contribute to the distinctive flavor of their meat.
What is the best way to prepare Mangalitsa pork?
Because of its high fat content, Mangalitsa pork is best cooked slowly and at low temperatures. This allows the fat to render and infuse the meat with flavor. Mangalitsa pork is also versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from classic pork chops to charcuterie products like salami and prosciutto.
What is the difference between Mangalitsa and Mangalica pigs?
Mangalitsa and Mangalica pigs are actually the same breed, but they are referred to by different names depending on the country. In Hungary, where the breed originated, they are called Mangalica, while in other parts of the world, including the United States, they are referred to as Mangalitsa.
Are there any health benefits to eating Mangalitsa pork?
Because of its unique fat content, Mangalitsa pork is considered to be healthier than other pork breeds. The fat is high in monounsaturated fats, which are known to be good for heart health. Additionally, because of the unique flavor of the meat, chefs may be able to use less salt or other seasonings, which can contribute to a healthier diet overall.