Berkshire Pork: A Legacy of excellence
A Breed Rooted in History
Over 300 years ago, legend has it that Berkshire hogs were first discovered by Oliver Cromwell’s army during their winter quarters in Reading, England—the county seat of Berkshire. Soldiers marveled at these pigs, known for their larger size and exceptional meat quality, and spread the word far and wide.
The Berkshire breed quickly gained favor among English farmers, and even the Royal Family kept a prestigious herd at Windsor Castle. One particularly famous Berkshire boar, appropriately named Windsor Castle, was born within sight of the royal residence and imported to the United States in 1841. Weighing around 1,000 pounds at maturity, his impact on the breed was significant, with offspring prized for their size and superior finishing ability.
By 1823, Berkshires had made their way to America, where they were quickly recognized for their ability to improve the quality of existing swine populations. However, breeders saw the value in maintaining the purity of this exceptional breed. In 1875, the American Berkshire Association (ABA) was founded in Springfield, Illinois—making it the world's first swine registry. The very first hog recorded was Ace of Spades, a boar bred by Queen Victoria herself. Today, the ABA is headquartered in West Lafayette, Indiana, where it continues to uphold the integrity of this legendary breed.
The R Family Farms Difference: Berkshire Pork at Its Best
Berkshire pork—also known as Kurobuta, meaning “black pig” in Japanese—is in a league of its own. Unlike conventional pork, Berkshire meat is darker in color, richly marbled, and bursting with a robust, buttery flavor. This luxurious taste experience has been repeatedly validated by science—over a 20-year study at the National Barrow Show in Austin, Minnesota, Berkshires ranked the highest of all major American pure breeds in sensory quality. That’s no coincidence.
At R Family Farms, we take that legendary quality even further. Raised with care and respect, our Berkshires thrive in a low-stress environment to ensure optimal meat quality. Happy pigs make for better pork—it’s as simple as that.
Mouthwatering Science: Why Berkshire Pork Stands Out
Many believe that Berkshire pork’s superior flavor comes from its intense marbling. While marbling certainly plays a role, the real secret lies in pH levels—a factor that directly affects meat color, tenderness, and juiciness.
Here’s a quick science refresher:
pH measures acidity. Fresh muscle has a pH in the neutral range (~7). After harvest, the pH naturally declines.
A rapid pH drop = pale, dry meat. This is common in commercial pork breeds.
Berkshires maintain a higher pH, resulting in deep red color, superior moisture retention, and rich flavor.
Additionally, stress levels at processing can negatively impact pH, which is why we use low-stress handling techniques at R Family Farms—ensuring every cut is as tender, juicy, and flavorful as nature intended.
Indulge in the Best: Berkshire Pork from R Family Farms
From perfectly marbled chops to succulent bacon, our Berkshire pork is more than just meat—it’s an experience. Whether you’re a home cook or a seasoned chef, you’ll taste the difference with every bite.
Ready to enjoy the best pork on the market?
Shop Berkshire Pork from R Family Farms today.