Ningxiang Flower Pig

Ningxiang Flower Pig

　　The Ningxiang Flower Pig originated in Ningxiang County. As one of the four major local pig breeds in China, it was officially recognized as one of the country’s four premium native breeds when the National Bureau of Standards issued GB273-81 “Ningxiang Flower Pig” in 1981. (5 photos of the Ningxiang Flower Pig National Nature Reserve) New standards were again promulgated and implemented in 2003. In 2006, the Ministry of Agriculture included the Ningxiang Flower Pig in the “National Livestock Genetic Resources Conservation List.” In 2007, it obtained national certification for pollution-free agricultural product origin and products. In 2010, Ningxiang Flower Pig Industry Development Co., Ltd. registered the “Ningxiang Flower Pig” certification trademark with the Administration for Industry and Commerce.

　　The Ningxiang Flower Pig must be raised in a completely natural and healthy environment, free from any artificial growth hormones. For this reason, it is hailed as one of Hunan’s “Three Treasures” along with the Wugang Bronze Goose. In 1981, the National Bureau of Standards officially confirmed that the Ningxiang Pig has high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, firmer muscle texture, good taste, rich meat flavor, and no unpleasant odors or fishiness.

　　The Ningxiang Flower Pig was once grouped with Xianglian. Therefore, organic pork has lower cholesterol content than regular pork. As a national premium native breed, the “GB2773-81 Ningxiang Pig” standard was issued in 1981 under the code name “Ningxiang Pig.” Since then, the Ningxiang Pig, as one of China’s four premium native pig breeds, rapidly gained popularity and spread across the country. Its growth cycle is nearly two months longer than that of ordinary pigs, allowing ample time to accumulate rich nutrients. It was extensively farmed in Hunan Province and other parts of the country, with some even exported overseas. The FAO’s journal “Livestock Genetic Resources” once featured an image of the Ningxiang Pig on its cover to promote it globally, and over 60 countries sent delegations to study it. In July 2006, the Ningxiang Pig was included in the first batch of national livestock and poultry genetic resources protection breeds designated by the Ministry of Agriculture.

　　The Ningxiang Pig has a long history. Folklore says: During the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhengde was traveling when he passed through Caichong in Ningxiang. Feeling hungry, he visited a local farmer’s home where he was served pork. The emperor found the taste extremely delicious and was so pleased that he remarked, “This pork is delicious—if it could gain a pound a day, that would be great.” With the imperial seal of approval, the pigs grew faster, the meat became even tastier, and the reputation grew daily. The Tongzhi-era “Ningxiang County Annals” recorded: “Pigs are raised in every household here, and those produced here are fatter and tastier than those from other regions.”

　　The Republican-era “Ningxiang County Annals” stated: “The areas of Liusha River and Caichong stretch for dozens of miles, producing exceptionally fine pigs. Every household raises sows for piglets, and merchants from Xiangxiang, Anhua, Baoqing, Xinhua, and Yiyang come in an endless stream.”

　　Ningxiang pigs are classified by body shape into three types: Lion Head, Fu Character Head, and Capon Head. Ningxiang pigs have thin skin and sparse hair, with hindquarters higher than the forequarters; their thighs are not very full, and their skin has wrinkles, commonly known as “pants legs.” Their tails are thick and straight without curling, called “loach tails.” Their limbs are spread out, and their hooves resemble monkey paws, hence the name “monkey feet.” Their coat is glossy, with white patches on the forehead, white undersides on the chest, abdomen, and limbs, and a white ring around the shoulder blade area, while the rest of the body is covered in black—earning them the nickname “Black Clouds Over Snow with a Silver Neck Ring.”