On the Trails of the Aspromonte Black Pig

Food & beverage Experiences Accommodations

GASTRONOMIC ROUTES, TREKKING PATHS, AND FARM VISITS
In the Aspromonte territory, several companies have joined forces with the common goal of enhancing the Aspromonte black pig and promoting local excellences, offering unique experiences linked to the rediscovery of the territory, high-quality productions, and local traditions.
Among the locations involved in this initiative are the municipalities of Locri, Benestare, and Natile, where companies are committed to offering visitors specially designed routes to fully explore the riches of this land.
Companies in these areas organize fascinating ring-shaped routes upon reservation, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding environment. Trekking paths provide the opportunity to discover up close the natural wonders of the territory, crossing panoramic and picturesque trails.
Moreover, guided tours of companies involved in the breeding and processing of the Aspromonte black pig allow visitors to closely observe the production process and appreciate the quality and authenticity of local products.
Finally, the routes conclude with exciting tasting sessions, during which participants can savor the genuine flavors of the territory, enjoying typical products carefully prepared by local companies.
For example, the Sollazzo Farm in Benestare (RC) offers tasting tours and guided farm visits, while the Marvelli Farm in Natile (RC) offers engaging trekking routes followed by tasting sessions of local products.

Posizione

Benestare, Rc
Vai
Vai

Info

History and Origins

The Aspromonte black pig is the native pig of the southern Calabrian Apennines.
At the end of the 1990s, there were very few nomadic specimens of Aspromonte black pig, and the species seemed destined for extinction.
In 1995, the Valle del Bonamico Cooperative, together with a group of young shepherds from Platì and San Luca, initiated the definitive recovery of the breed.
Today, the ancient black pig grazes freely in its original habitat, the Aspromonte, where the nature of the woods is rugged, uncontaminated, and virgin.
Its primordial morphology has remained unchanged, attesting to the purity of the species: strong, rustic, powerful, with two pendulous appendages under the throat and, in the male specimen, a mane.
It freely feeds on acorns, chestnuts, roots, tubers, mushrooms, and other fruits of the undergrowth.
All these characteristics make it different from other black pigs in Calabria and are reflected in the scents and flavors of our hams and cured meats.