Nandan Yao Township black pig is a distinctive local pig breed originating from the mountainous areas of Nandan, Guangxi

The Nandan Yao Township black pig is a local black pig raised in the Yao-inhabited mountainous areas of Nandan County, Hechi City, Guangxi, and is named for being mostly free-range in Yao villages and the surrounding hills. Nandan is located in northwestern Guangxi, with rolling mountains, a mild and humid climate, and relatively abundant forest and agricultural by-product resources, which provide good natural conditions for black pig farming.

In appearance, these black pigs are mostly black-coated all over, medium in size, with a sturdy build and strong limbs, adapted to activity in the mountains. Foraging and moving in the natural environment over the long term has given them the characteristics of tolerance to coarse feed and strong adaptability. However, their growth rate is relatively slow, and the raising period is noticeably longer than that of ordinary commercial pigs.

In terms of farming methods, free-range or semi-free-range models are mostly used locally. The black pigs move freely on forested slopes during the day, eating green grass and wild vegetables, and are supplementarily fed farm feeds such as corn and bran in the morning and evening. The farming process is relatively ecological, and the marketing cycle is also considerably longer than that of ordinary pen-raised pigs.

Because of their large amount of exercise and long growth cycle, the meat of Nandan Yao Township black pigs is usually firm and delicate, with moderate fat and lean, a rich aroma and not greasy. It is suitable for poached sliced pork and braised pork, and is also often used to cure bacon and make sausages. In Nandan, like the Nandan Yao chicken, it is a representative local specialty breed and also an important industry for increasing the income of people in the mountainous areas.

When purchasing, you can observe whether the meat color is ruddy, whether the fat distribution is even, and whether it springs back well when pressed, and try to buy quarantine-qualified products through proper channels. Because free-range scale is limited, the quality of related products on the market varies, and it is safer to check the place of origin and quarantine information.