Rare Breed Meats

Naturally Reared Pork

The first pedigree records of pigs began in 1913, much later than it did for cattle, sheep and horses because the pig was a peasant's animal, a scavenger and was never highly regarded. No other pedigree spotted breed was recorded before 1913, so today's GOS is the oldest such breed in the world! The breed originated around the Berkeley Vale on the southern shores of the river Severn in south west England. It was usually kept in the cider and perry pear orchards of the area and on the dairy farms. Windfall fruit and waste from the dairies supplemented its grazing habit. Local folklore says that the spots on its back are bruises from the falling fruit. Besides its correct title and variations such as Gloucester Spot or just Old Spot, the breed is also known as The Orchard Pig and The Cottager's Pig.

We produce our own pork from breeds including Gloucester Old Spots. They are bedded in large straw yards and fed wheat and barley grown on our own farm. The pigs are naturally reared and are slow maturing which provides excellent flavour. We produce all our own sausages, bacon and gammon.

Lamb

Jacob sheep may be one of the oldest breeds of domestic sheep with the spots and irregular spotted fleece acting as camouflage and the horns acting as some defensive protection against predators. The art evidence of spotted, horned sheep extends to 1800 BC in an Egyptian wall painting, a Scythian gold necklace from 1000 BC and Sicilian pottery from 600 BC. While the exact origins of the Jacob are unknown and the subject of considerable speculation, there is evidence that there are strong Mediterranean roots and the path to current populations of Jacobs in North America extends from the Mediterranean area, through Spain to England and from England to North America and from the Mediterranean area along the "silk trade route" to China.

We source quality lamb from our own flock of pedigree Jacob sheep and neighbouring farms. The spring born lambs are reared on a natural diet of grass which leads to a succulent taste.

British White Beef

All the beef we sell comes from our pedigree herd of British White cattle which are one of the five largest in the UK. The Yetsonais herd of British Whites are spring calving and are fed a natural diet of grass, turnips, hay and home-grown cereals.

British Whites are one of the oldest breeds of cattle and the modern day breed of British Whites can claim direct links with the ancient indigenous wild white cattle of Great Britain, notably from the park at Whalley Abbey, Lancashire which was bought by Richard Assheton in 1553.

British White meat is unique in its distinctive flavour. The meat is lean, exhibits natural marbling and is deep red in colour. Holsome Park Quality Meats hang our beef for up to three weeks to mature so you can enjoy the succulent full flavour and tenderness of quality meat.