Esguerra Farm's Berkshire Kurobuta: The Epitome of Exceptional Pork

 

Delving into the World of Esguerra Farm's Berkshire Kurobuta: The Epitome of Exceptional Pork

Esguerra Farms

Setting foot onto Esguerra Farms & Stud in Lipa City is like entering a different realm, a place where nature's rhythm takes center stage. I've had a lot of farm tours and visits before but I'd have to say that this is probably the most impressive so far. When the gates opened we felt like we were transported to a European countryside or to New Zealand. It was a picturesque, almost postcard-perfect farm with Sir Hermie Esguerra's thoroughbred horses welcoming you into his farm. I will share with you my captivating experience visiting Esguerra Farms and learning how Esguerra Kurobuta is free from chemicals and safe for human consumption. It was indeed an adventure that enlightened me about the beauty of agriculture, the wonders of farm life, and the connection we share with the earth. 

Esguerra Farms & Stud

You'll feel like you've been transported to a European farm

Sir Hermie's experience as a hands-on horse breeder led him to decide to extend his farm to accommodate and rear purebred Berkshire pigs imported from UK. He personally makes sure that the pigs are raised properly and fed naturally and that they are well taken cared of sans any stress. 

Berkshire Pigs from Esguerra Farms brochure

The waddling ducks at Esguerra Farm

Boer goat at Esguerra Farm

The farm started as a horse farm by Sir Hermie Esguerra, but it grew to include other livestock such as Berkshire pigs, goats, lambs, ducks, chickens, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Esguerra Kurobuta pork is raised in Lipa City where the pigs have a low-stress lifestyle. The pigs are raised in eco pens and enjoy a blend of healthy diet. This ensures a subtle elegance of flavor within the marbling and the meat. 

From the moment we arrived at the farm, the welcoming atmosphere engulfed me. The welcoming staff with no less than Sir Hermie Esguerra (the proprietor and CEO of Esguerra Farm) himself greeted us with their bright smiles, eager to impart their wisdom and enthusiasm for their work. The sense of community was palpable and it instantly made me feel the need to be educated more about Berkshire Kurobuta and what the entire Esguerra Farm can offer. 

Horses at the farm amidst pine trees

The entire blogger team

Purple Plum Fairy with other bloggers

I was awestruck by the profusion of nature's riches as we toured the farm. We had the CEO himself show us around where he explained each stop and answered even the most mundane question. As far as the eye could see, lush green fields spoke a melody of fertility and life. Vegetables in vivid rows stood tall, the pine trees filled the air with sweet scent and the animals seemingly demonstrated their promise for deliciousness. The horses also enhanced the beauty of the setting. It even reminded me of my teen years when I was fond of reading Bonnie Bryant's The Saddle Club--This was the Baby-Sitter's Club of horse series or perhaps as classic as Anna Sewell's Black Beauty. Horse books were my lifeline back in the day, because seldom do I get to interact with actual horses. These were the books I read when I wanted to feel like a wild stallion, running free across the plains, as well as the brave teen who tames him.  I was a horse girl growing up. I liked horses. I loved going to Baguio and Tagaytay to enjoy riding them. I never had the chance to learn how to ride them on my own though. But I had horse toys and horse jewelry. Anyway, let's get back to my farm tour at Esguerra Farm.

Yours truly with fellow blogger Rica

Sir Hermie Esguerra himself gamely became our "tour guide" on his own farm.

Touring Esguerra Farm made me realize the importance of ensuring health and productivity for both animals and the staff. We had disinfection prior to entry, had foot baths for sanitation on the farm as well as had antigen tests to ensure everyone's safety. 

Esguerra Farm's version of Cochinillo 

Esguerra Farms' version of Porchetta

Roasted to perfection: The Peking Duck 

As a chef, there are a few things that can match the sheer delight of savoring a perfectly cooked cut of pork. Among the many renowned pork varieties, Berkshire Kurobuta shines as a true gem. While most of us may already be familiar with and enjoy a number of mouthwatering pig meals such as sausages, bone-in ham, and baby back ribs, if you've never tasted Kurobuta pork though, you've never experienced yet some of the best flavors of pork ever. Our visit to Esguerra Farm gave us a bird's eye view to explore the exquisite qualities of Berkshire Kurobuta, how it is raised, and why it has earned its reputation as one of the most sought-after pork breeds in the world. 

The variety of cold cuts at Esguerra Farms using Kurobuta

Kurobuta pork is highly regarded for its superior flavor and quality. Typically, real Kurobuta/Berkshire pork needs to come from a herd that has been around for a while, either in England or Japan. So we are lucky that they were introduced here in the Philippines first by Esguerra Farm where they have since grown in popularity. 

Sir Hermie slices off a cochinillo with a plate

What's so special about Esguerra Kurobuta? 

• More marbling: The marbling in the pork is uniformly distributed throughout each cut, enabling the cut to cook more rapidly and evenly.
• Tender and juicy: There's a consistent marbling throughout that makes perfect succulent pork, it's never dry despite being frozen. 
• Superior flavor and texture: What sets Berkshire Kurobuta apart is its unparalleled flavor profile and tender texture. Kurobuta has a slighter sweeter flavor than traditional pork. Conventional pork is too tough and lacking in taste and is often dry especially when frozen for some time. The rich marbling throughout the meat adds layers of succulent juiciness, resulting in a taste that is both savory and nuanced. The intramuscular fat beautifully complements the lean meat. 
• With finely dispersed fat, it keeps Kurobuta pork juicy, even when cooked at high temperatures, while its higher pH content gives it its rosy pink color.  Pink-hued and heavily marbled, Kurobuta has a sweet, rich flavor with a delicate texture and an unbelievable level of juiciness that makes it distinct pork worthy of its prestigious reputation.
• Their muscle fibers are shorter than other breeds, which makes the meat naturally more tender and gives it a smoother texture.

• They feed their pigs a diet of all-natural grains and grasses in addition to what they forage outside.
• They never use antibiotics, hormones, or growth promotants. No artificial flavors, nitrates or other preservatives in our productions. 

Esguerra Farms' version of Cochinillo is crisp, and succulent with moist and tasty meat that easily falls off the bone. Also known as a suckling pig, it is typically prepared by roasting a young piglet, until the skin turns crispy and golden brown. The meat is incredibly juicy and tender, with a delicate flavor enhanced by the smoky and savory notes from a roasting process. This is indeed a true delicacy you should order and enjoy during special occasions or festive gatherings.  With or without the liver sauce (that's most commonly known as 'Mang Tomas sauce', it tastes good on its own. 

The same goes for their other products namely: coppa, flank, tomahawk, porchetta, charcuterie essentials such as sausages, jamon florentina, breakfast bacon, lyoner ham among many others. Even their Peking duck and duck egg or 'balut' tastes really good. I don't eat 'balut' but I tried and ate this to experience it and to my surprise, I liked it. 

Interested to try and purchase Esguerra Kurobuta's products? You may purchase from their website www.esguerrakurobuta.com. You could also visit their physical store at Esguerra Kurobuta Pure Berkshire Meat Shop, Herma Building, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City, call 8922-3421 local 216. 

Email esguerrakurobuta@esguerrafarms.com

For retail: 09178203382 For Wholesale: 09178524669

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own.