Pig Out On Pork

There will never be a shortage of pork in Spain. It is the most popular meat and, in areas such as Andalucia, the most consumed. Pork is everywhere. Pigs in Spain come in many colours, shapes and sizes. But they all know their place. And, sooner or later, that place is on the dining table.

Pigs have been fattened up to eat across Spain since Roman times. Only when the Moors conquered Spain in the 8th century were pigs not on the menu. They were considered to be unclean by Muslim followers of the Koran. Centuries later when the reconquest took place, pork made a comeback and anyone refusing to eat it came under the watchful eye of the new Christian rulers of Spain. Jews and Muslims who were suspected of only pretending to convert to christianity were tested by being told to eat pork, and so prove their loyalty to the new King and Queen of Spain.

Today the pig is kept only to be eaten. Especially at the time of the Matanza. A 'celebration' of pork which should not be attended by the squeamish. Slaughtering pigs at home is now outlawed in Spain, but still takes place in many areas. The slaughtered pig is then often strung up and almost every part of the pig is used for eating purposes. In my street the neighbours remove the car from their garage and replace it with a pig.

Two years ago the garage door remained open for all to see. Last year the garage party was held behind closed doors. Authorities are becoming stricter with those who practice the slaughter of pigs at home. But i doubt they will ever enforce a ban in some places. For in Spain, the future of pork is assured.