This past weekend I went to Ironwood Farm's Pig In A Day event with Chris Velden and Rupert Jannasch that was promoted on the Slow Food Nova Scotia site. The price was $25 for Slow Food members and $30 for guests.
I didn't know what to expect as I'd never been to anything like this, but it was a seriously awesome time. There was a small group of us (~8 people) in an outbuilding on the farm, and Chris walked us through basic butchering of the pig, where different cuts come from, different uses for different parts, and of course talking quite a bit about the value of knowing where your food come from. Chris also showed us how to make cured meats like bacon and prosciutto, and of course sausages. The whole session took about 3-4 hours and was a really great opportunity to connect with a chef of his experience in such an intimate environment - not to mention the farmer who raised the pigs, Rupert!
Rupert, was there throughout as well to talk about the challenges of farming today, and also the fun and satisfaction that can come from making good quality food locally. At one point Rupert talked about how the pigs he raised would play together in the field and run around and race him when he rode by on his four wheeler - you could tell that Rupert cares a lot about his livestock and their well-being, and you knew those pigs grew up happy.
Snacks, cider and coffee were served throughout, and lunch was provided as well (Pork loin, roasted potatoes, roasted beets, sweet potato and carrot and some seriously amazing blueberry almond bars for dessert) everything (well maybe not the almonds) in the meal came from the farm, and was prepared by Chris and his wife.. and it was phenomenally good. Honestly the food was so good that I would have paid $30 just to eat there!
I have to admit that for a long time I wasn't a pork fan - I always found it dry and flavourless - but that has everything to do with how the pigs are raised; you just aren't going to get excellent pork from the supermarket because in the world of mass meat production, the pigs are raised for quantity not quality. Rupert's pork is rich, flavourful, and worth every penny; the meat is so different that I can honestly say I never tasted pork until I had free range.
I'm going to go next year and bring my daughter (who will be 3 next year), so she can "meet her meat" and understand where her food comes from. Parents need not worry, as unless your child is particularly sensitive, Pig In A Day isn't gruesome or scary in any way.
Just a tip: Wear warm clothing and long underwear - it's chilly! read more