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Heritage Breed Pork Belly Strips

The Cut

Our Heritage Breed Pork Belly Strips are cut from the belly of the pig, one of the most flavour-packed sections of the animal. Known for its perfect balance of tender meat and luscious fat, this cut has been a favourite in traditional British kitchens for centuries. Each strip comes from heritage breed pigs, renowned for their quality, slow growth, and ability to develop natural marbling, which gives these belly strips their signature succulence.

Sourced from farms dedicated to sustainable, humane practices, these pork belly strips reflect a commitment to quality, flavour, and a respect for traditional farming methods.

Characteristics

What sets our pork belly strips apart is the rich marbling that runs through the meat. This means that when cooked, the fat renders down beautifully, giving you a tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite with an irresistibly crispy exterior. The fat content is higher than other cuts, which makes it ideal for achieving that balance of crispy crackling and juicy, flavourful pork.

With their heritage breed origins, these pork belly strips boast a deeper, more robust flavour than you’d get from commercially reared pork. Heritage pigs such as Gloucestershire Old Spots or Tamworths, known for their hardy nature and natural diet, produce meat that’s packed with rich, savoury notes and a sweetness that’s unique to slow-reared pork.

Ways to Cook

These pork belly strips are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are a few methods to bring out their best:

• Grill: Perfect for a summer barbecue, the pork belly crisps up beautifully on the grill. Marinate in soy, honey, and garlic for a sticky, caramelised glaze, or keep it simple with just salt, pepper, and rosemary for a more classic approach.
• Roast: Roasting is a popular method for getting that crispy crackling while keeping the meat inside tender. Score the skin, season with sea salt and herbs, then slow roast in the oven at a low temperature to allow the fat to render down. Finish off with a blast of high heat to get the crackling just right.
• Slow Cook: Slow cooking pork belly strips allows the fat to melt into the meat, creating a soft, almost buttery texture. Try braising them in apple cider with onions and thyme for a hearty, comforting meal. Or, for a more Asian-inspired dish, slow-cook in soy sauce, ginger, and star anise for a rich, aromatic flavour.
• Pan-Fry: For a quick and easy option, pan-fry the strips until crispy. Add them to a salad for a touch of indulgence, or as the star of a noodle bowl with fresh veggies and a spicy dressing.

Nutritional Values

Pork belly is a rich and indulgent cut, offering a balance of protein and fat. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per 100g serving:

• Calories: 500 kcal
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 50g
  • Saturated fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Iron: 0.6mg

While pork belly is higher in fat than leaner cuts, much of this fat is rendered out during cooking. It’s also a good source of protein, iron, and essential vitamins like B12, making it a nutrient-dense choice when enjoyed in moderation.

Heritage Breeds

Our pork belly strips come exclusively from heritage breeds, such as Tamworth, Saddleback, and Gloucestershire Old Spots. These pigs are native to Britain and raised on small, North Yorkshire farms that adhere to traditional farming practices, ensuring a slow-growing, natural lifestyle. Unlike commercial breeds that are often mass-reared for quick turnover, heritage breeds mature more slowly, resulting in pork that has a deeper flavour and a superior texture.

Heritage breeds are known for their ability to thrive in outdoor environments, where they can forage freely and develop a natural diet. This lifestyle not only supports ethical farming but also contributes to the exceptional taste of the meat. The pigs’ natural diets of foraged roots, acorns, and grains create pork with a depth of flavour that simply can’t be matched by intensively farmed alternatives.

In supporting heritage breeds, we’re helping to preserve a key part of Britain’s farming history, ensuring these rare and valuable pigs continue to thrive.

With these Heritage Breed Pork Belly Strips, you’re not just getting incredible flavour; you’re supporting sustainable farming and a rich culinary tradition that honours the past while delivering an exceptional eating experience. Whether it’s a Sunday roast, a midweek treat, or a BBQ showstopper, these pork belly strips promise something special.