Kurobuta Is "The Kobe Beef Of Pork "

Kurobuta Is "The Kobe Beef Of Pork " 30-3-9 Snake River Farms of Boise, Idaho is the largest producer of American Kobe beef. The company recently expanded to also produce a specialty premium pork known as "Kurobuta". Snake River exports about half its Kurobuta to Asian countries, including Japan. Like Kobe beef, it has a reputation for rich flavor, texture and juiciness û traits attributed to the deep marbling of the meat. Although Kobe and Kurobuta's share of the overall beef and pork markets is still tiny, they have been embraced by influential restaurants and retailers and provide a popular alternative for high-income consumers. Market share has been steadily increasing as the company targets high-profile chefs and word of mouth spreads. Kurobuta pork comes from Berkshire hogs - also known as the "Japanese black hog," since the Japanese word Kurobuta means "black pig." The breed has been produced in Japan and celebrated there as a highly prized meat since the 19th century. Snake River Farms raises only 100 percent purebred Berkshire hogs. "Berkshire hogs are inefficient animals but are raised for the superior eating qualities of their meat," says Darren Guard of Snake River. "The hogs take about 10 percent longer to grow and only reach about 80 percent of the size of a conventional breed. However, the meat is known for its fine flecks of marbling and outstanding taste and texture." Midwest farmers contract with the company to produce the hogs, which retail for up to three times more than conventional pork. However, North American Kurobuta prices are still only a fraction of the cost of comparable products in Japan, according to Guard. Dubbed "the other red meat," Kurobuta pork has a darker (deep pink) color than regular commercial white pork. Its deep marbling has moisture retention properties, and is responsible for much of this meat's additional juiciness and flavor. According to the company's website, the American Berkshire Association (ABA) became the nation's first swine registry in 1875 and has maintained pedigree records ever since. The breed was first introduced to Japan by a gift from the British government in the 19th century. "Taste tests comparing American Kurobuta pork (Berkshire) to other common pork varieties consistently show that consumers prefer Kurobuta. In fact, the National Pork Producers Council conducted a taste test using 25 quality traits, and Kurobuta pork ranked #1 in 19 of them, including tenderness and juiciness," according to the company. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Snake River Farms, Corporate Headquarters, 1555 Shoreline Drive, Third Floor, Boise, Idaho 83702 (ph 208 338-2500 or 800 657-6305; fax 208 338-2605; customerservice@snakeriverfarms.com; www.snakeriverfarms.com).

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