12 Best Tasting Pig Breeds (For Meats and Bacon)

Pork is one of the most popular meats in the world, and for good reason. It’s versatile, affordable, and there are so many ways to prepare it. But with so many options available, how do you know which cut to buy? 

When choosing pork meat, look for marbling and streaks of fat running through the meat. This indicates that the cut is juicy and flavorful.

Buyers and consumers of pork in today’s market gravitate toward traditional-tasting pork. These come from animals that are healthy and have been raised in a humane manner. 

Before deciding which breed of pig is best for your tastes, you need to do some study on the various breeds of pigs and how their meat tastes.

In this article, we will take a look at some best-tasting pig breeds, either for their meats or bacon.

What Makes Pork Taste Good?

Pork tastes good because it is versatile meat. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, from roasting to smoking to grilling, and it goes well with a wide range of flavors, from sweet and sour to spicy and savory.

There are many factors that influence buyers will purchase a particular pork chop. How the pigs were bred, what they were fed, and how they were slaughtered all have an impact on whether buyers are willing to buy particular meat.

Not only that but visual qualities are also a deciding factor. The color of the meat, the percentage of fat contained in the flesh, and the marbling of the meat are all all-important things to consider.

There are many reasons why pork tastes good, but one of the most important reasons is the way it is raised. Pigs that are allowed to roam and forage in the open-air taste much better than those that are confined to small pens. They develop a richer, more complex flavor than their factory-farmed counterparts.

How to Choose the Best Taste Pork Meat and Bacon?

There are many types of fork meats and bacon, but what makes a good piece of bacon or fork meat? The answer is simple: the right balance of flavor and texture.

For bacon, the key is to find a brand that has a good balance of smokiness and saltiness. Too much smokiness can overpower the flavor, while not enough salt can make it taste bland. Texture-wise, you want a piece of bacon that is crispy without being too brittle.

For fork meats, the most important thing is to find a quality butcher who knows how to select the right cuts of meat. The meat should be tender and juicy, with a slight pinkness in the center. Avoid cuts that are too lean, as they will be dry and flavourless.

The Best Tasting Pig Breeds

There are many pig breeds out there, but some are known for their better tasting meat. Some of the most popular breeds include the Berkshire, Hampshire, and Duroc. These breeds are known for their flavor and juiciness.

Some other best tasting pig breeds include the Red Wattle Pig, Guinea Hog, and Large Black Pig. These breeds are known for tender meat and their excellent meat quality.

Here is a list of some of the best tasting pig breeds for their meats and bacon:

1. Berkshire Pig

Berkshire pigs are a breed of pig that is popular for their juicy and tasty meat. Berkshire pigs were first bred in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts. Today, there are still many farmers raising Berkshire pigs for their meat. 

Berkshires are considered a heritage breed, which means they have been around for a long time and have been bred for specific purposes, such as meat or milk production.

They are also known for their black and white coloring. Berkshire pigs have pink ears, small legs, and upturned noses on their short snouts. Their jaws are big and their faces are dish-shaped.

Berkshire pigs are considered medium-sized pigs that grow quickly. A Berkshire pig’s market weight is roughly 260 pounds, and it normally takes around two thousand days to reach that weight from birth.

An adult Berkshire pig may weigh up to 600 pounds on average, with boars being significantly bigger than sows.

If you are interested in raising Berkshire pigs, there are a few things you should know. Berkshires grow to be quite large, so they need plenty of space to roam. They also require good nutrition and access to clean water. Plus, they love to root around in the dirt, so farm pens with a good amount of fresh bedding and compost are a must.

2. Choctaw Pig

The Choctaw Pig is a heritage breed of pig that is found in the United States. The Choctaw Pig was domesticated by the Choctaw Indians in Louisiana, and it is thought to be a descendant of the Warthog. 

The thick wattles and toes of the Choctaw pig are two distinguishing features. Their toes normally fuse together to create a hoof, and their ears are either upright or slightly drooping. This pig is typically black or dark red in color, and it has a long snout and a curly tail. 

These pigs require very little care because they can forage for their own food. Berries, acorns, veggies, and roots make up the majority of their food.

This pig is known for its hardiness, and it can be raised on pasture or in a woodlot. 

The Choctaw Pig is a small pig that typically weighs between 125 and 200 pounds, and it has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. This pig is well-suited for small farms, and it can be used for meat, pork, or bacon production.

3. Duroc Pig

Duroc pigs have been bred throughout history for meat production because of their meat quality. They are considered a premium quality pork breed and are often used in crossbreeding programs to improve the quality of pork products.

The meat from this breed is one of the most prized by chefs and consumers alike. The Duroc pig has a unique, mild flavor and texture that makes it well suited for many types of cuisine. It’s great for roasting, stewing, and braising. 

The Duroc breed was developed in the United States and is one of the most popular breeds of pigs in North America. 

The Duroc Pig is a breed of pig that is known for its reddish-brown coat. But you may find them in in black, white, and red coat colors

The Duroc pig is a hearty animal that can adapt to various climates. They are known for their excellent mothering skills, and sows typically produce large litters of healthy pigs. 

They are a medium to large breed. A mature boar can weigh around  500 pounds and a sow can weigh around 450 pounds.

The Duroc pig is a heritage breed that is critically endangered, so it’s important to learn as much as possible about this animal if you are considering adding one to your farm.

4. Gloucestershire Old Spots Pig

The Gloucestershire Old Spots pig is a heritage breed that originated in the Gloucestershire Country, United Kingdom. They are considered an endangered breed, so it is important to consider buying one if you are interested in raising them.

This breed is noted for its excellent flavor and marbling meat. 

The pigs are medium and have a black and white coat. They are a black and white pig that is known for their hardiness and good temperament. 

The heads of Gloucestershire Old Spots are long, and their nostrils are somewhat pushed in. The pigs’ ears are large and floppy, and when they are fully grown, they may even hang down over their faces.

The shoulders of a Gloucestershire Old Spot are narrow, and the dog’s legs are strong and straight. It is possible for mature boars to weigh up to 550 pounds, whereas sows typically average around 500 pounds.

Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs can be raised on pasture or in confinement. They are able to adapt to a variety of climates and do well in cold weather climates. These pigs are easy to care for and are not known to be particularly prone to disease or health problems.

5. Guinea Hog

The guinea hog (Sus scrofa domesticus) is a small, hardy pig that was once popular in the United States as a farmstead pig. Guinea hogs are descendants of the wild boar and were first brought to the United States by Spanish explorers in the 1500s.

The guinea hog is now being bred and raised by a small number of farmers and hobbyists who appreciate its unusual characteristics and quiet demeanor.

The guinea hog’s most distinguishing characteristic is its short, coarse hair. The hair is typically black or brown but can also be white, red, or spotted. 

Guinea hogs have erect ears, long legs, and a long snout. They weigh between 120 and 250 pounds and are about two feet high at the shoulder.

6. Hampshire Pig

Did you know that Hampshire pigs are some of the oldest pig breeds in the world? They were originally bred in the Hampshire region of England and are now popular throughout Europe. 

Hampshire pigs are known for their black coat, white markings, and long snouts.In addition to that, they have a white stripe that goes across their shoulders and can extend down over their front legs. They either have a flat back or a back that is arched just slightly.

Hampshire pigs can grow to be quite large, weighing in at up to 500 pounds. They are usually raised for meat, but can also be used for breeding or as pets. If you’re interested in raising Hampshire pigs, there are a few things you should know first.

Hampshire pigs require a lot of space and they can be quite destructive if they’re not given enough room to roam. They need plenty of food and water, as well as access to shelter from the sun and rain. They are also considered to be very friendly and intelligent animals.

7. Kunekune Pig

The Kunekune Pig is a breed of domestic pig that is raised in New Zealand. Kunekune pigs are popular among farmers because they are easy to care for and produce high-quality meat and ham products.

The Kunekune has a round body with short legs and a small head. They are typically black, brown, or white in color. 

The Kunekune is a friendly pig that is known for its docile temperament and is often kept as pet. Kunekune pigs can be easily trained to follow commands and are very intelligent animals.

They are excellent swimmers and are able to tolerate cold weather conditions. Kunekune pigs can reach a weight of up to 200 pounds and can live up to 15 years.

8. Large Black Pig

The Large Black Pig is a breed of domesticated pig originating in the United Kingdom. Large Black pigs are the only breed of pig in the United Kingdom that are fully black, as their name suggests. Large Black pigs also go by the names Devon, Boggu, and Cornwall Black.

Their bodies are lengthy and stocky, and both their tails and noses are elongated. The Large Black Pig has a deep black skin and a coarse, bristly coat. They grow to weigh between 500-700 pounds and reach maturity at 18-24 months.

The meat of the Large Black Pig is dark and well marbled, making it a popular choice for barbecue enthusiasts. The breed was developed for meat production and is Hardy and adaptable, making it well suited to many climates. 

Large Black pigs are a heritage breed that is slowly gaining in popularity. They are known for their gentle nature, large size, and good temperament. Large Blacks can weigh up to 700 pounds and have a lifespan of 12-15 years. They are excellent foragers and do well on pasture or in woodland settings.

9. Ossabaw Island Hog

The Ossabaw Island Hog is domestic pig breeds that is found on Ossabaw Island, located off the coast of Georgia in the United States. The hog was once thought to be extinct, but a small population was discovered on the island in the early 1990s. 

Ossabaw Island hogs can be found in a number of different colors, although black coloration is the most prevalent. In addition to that, there is diversity in spots.

Ossabaw Island hogs, in contrast to other types of pigs, have a thick coat that is covered in bristles. In addition to this, their ears are perked up, and they have lengthy snouts.

The meat that is produced from the Ossabaw Island pig is dark in color and has a texture that is all its own. It is perfect for roasting whole pigs, pork, and cured meats and is regarded to be an artisanal product.

They can weigh anywhere from 100 to 250 pounds, and in times of scarcity, they rely on the fat stored in their bodies to keep them alive.

10. Red Wattle Pig

The Red Wattle Pig is a heritage breed of pig that was roamed wild in East Texas, United States. 

Red Wattles pigs are popular for their excellent meat quality and flavor

The Red Wattle pig is an interesting breed because of its unique physical features. One of the most distinguishing features of the Red Wattle pig is the presence of a fleshy wattle on each side of its neck. The Red Wattle pig also has a reddish-brown coat, short legs, large ears, and a long tail.

Red Wattle pigs are huge, fast-growing animals. A mature Red Wattle boar can weigh up to 750 pounds, whereas a mature sow can reach up to 548 pounds. This difference in weight is not significant. This particular breed of pig stands approximately 3.9 feet tall on average.

Red Wattle Pigs are hardy animals that are well-suited to life on a farm. They are active and playful, and make good pets for people who have the time to care for them.

11. Yorkshire Pig

The Yorkshire Pig is a breed of domesticated pig that is found in the United Kingdom and Ireland. They are also known as the Large White pig. 

The Yorkshire Pig is one of the most popular breeds of pigs in the world. They are used for meat, bacon, and pork products. Their pork has a reputation for being a high-quality, lean cut of meat. They are also used for breeding stock.

The Yorkshire Pig has a long body with a short head and a straight snout. They have large ears and thick neck. They have short hair that can be black, white, or spotted. 

Yorkshire pigs have a strong build, but their bones are more delicate, and their hair is fine and soft. Their skin is white and their hair is short and bristly.

Yorkies are medium-sized pigs that weigh between 550 and 750 pounds when they reach maturity. 

12. The Mangalitsa Pig

The Mangalitsa pig is a heritage breed that originated in Hungary. The Mangalitsa pig was nearly extinct after World War II but has been making a comeback in recent years. 

This particular breed of pig is characterized by a woolly coat, a slow rate of growth, and unusually short legs. Their floppy ears and short, upturned snouts give them the appearance of an adorable little pig. 

It is a lard-type pig that has a high percentage of fat in its meat. The meat is also very marbled, making it tender and juicy. Their meat is well-liked by chefs who work in upscale restaurants, and those chefs take pleasure in preparing and presenting Mangalitsa’s pork because of its black color, sweet flavor, and juicy texture.

The Mangalitsa pig can be raised on pasture or in confinement. They are excellent foragers and can survive on a diet of acorns, hickory nuts, and other mast. They can also be fed a commercial diet, but their meat will have a stronger flavor if they are allowed to roam and forage. 

Mangalitsa pigs are slow growers and typically do not reach market weight until they are six to eight months old.

The average Mangalitsa pig weights in at around 250-350 pounds, but can grow up to 650 pounds! 

Which Pork is the Best Tasting for Its Meat and Bacon?

There are many pig breeds out there. Each has a unique flavor as we already described above. But which pig breed is producing the best tasting meat?

Some people believe that the Berkshire pig is the best-tasting pork in the world. This breed is known for its juicy, tender meat with a deep flavor. Other popular breeds include the Duroc, and Mangalitsa pig.

Each has its own unique flavor that makes it stand out from the rest. If you’re looking for something new to try, why not give one of these breeds a go? You won’t be disappointed!

Final Thought

When it comes to the pig breeds that produce the most flavorful meat, it is abundantly evident that these breeds come from all over the world. Even a straightforward pork chop can have its flavor altered by the tiniest of changes. It is always beneficial to have an understanding of the specific cut of pork you are eating and the factors that contribute to its fantastic flavor.

There are many pig breeds that are great for meat and bacon. Some of the best-tasting pig breeds include the Berkshire, Duroc, and Yorkshire pig breeds. If you are looking to raise your own pigs for meat or bacon, these are some of the best breeds to choose from.