About Stone Arch Farms
Through proper animal husbandry, Stone Arch Farm raises heritage breed Mangalitsa pigs. Originating in Hungary, Mangalitsa pigs, also called "hairy pigs" or "hairy sheep" (derives from Serbian language) have a striking physical characteristic that sets them apart from other pig breeds—their dense, curly fleece, reminiscent of a sheep's coat. This woolly covering serves as excellent insulation, allowing them to thrive in colder temperatures and making them well-suited for outdoor rearing in Lancaster County.
Our 100% purebred Mangalitsa pigs consist of all three types: blonde, red and swallow-bellied. One of the most appealing aspects of raising Mangalitsa pigs is their superior meat quality. The breed is renowned for its marbled, succulent, and flavorful meat, which is often compared to the highly prized Japanese Wagyu beef. The high fat content in the meat results in unparalleled tenderness and a unique taste profile that sets it apart from conventional pork. The Mangalitsa's distinctive flavor makes it a preferred choice for thoughtful chefs and food enthusiasts who value rare ingredients.
Our Mangalitsa pig's exceptional fat quality makes it highly versatile in the kitchen. Mangalitsa fat has a low melting point, rendering it ideal for creating lard, which possesses unmatched cooking properties. Mangalitsa lard enhances the texture, flavor, and aroma of dishes, making it a staple ingredient in traditional sausage and charcuterie applications. We like to call it "liquid gold". Additionally, the breed's fat composition is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy and have a more favorable impact on cholesterol levels.
From a sustainability standpoint, raising Mangalitsa pigs can be advantageous. Their ability to utilize Stone Arch Farm pastures and forage effectively reduces the reliance on concentrated feeds (we supplement with a local non-gmo corn feed). Additionally, their hardiness and resilience enable them to adapt well to Lancaster County weather all year long. The Mangalitsa pigs raised on Stone Arch Farm pastures with their distinctive appearance, exceptional meat quality, and culinary versatility make it highly sought after by both chefs and consumers.
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Buy local pork online from farmers and butcher shops near you
ChopLocal is incredibly proud to partner with pork farms near you! We offer pork from a network of farms and small butcher shops across the country.
When you buy local pork, you're supporting local farmers and small businesses, and we thank you! Your supoort helps stimulate rural economies and create healthy communities.
Buying direct from a farmer also allows you to have all of your questions answered. Wondering how the pigs were raised? You can ask! Wondering what they were fed? You can ask that, too!
Many of the farms on ChopLocal raise heritage breeds (like Duroc, Mangalitsa and Berkshire), which often leads to higher quality, more flavorful meat than what is available at the commercial level.
Most Popular Cuts of Pork
1. Pork Chop
Cooking Methods: Pork chops are versatile and can be cooked in several ways. They can be grilled, pan-fried, baked, or even broiled. They can be marinated for flavor or seasoned with herbs and spices.
2. Pork Tenderloin
Cooking Methods: Pork tenderloin is a lean and tender cut. It's excellent for roasting, grilling, or pan-searing. It can be marinated or seasoned before cooking. Because it's lean, be careful not to overcook it to keep it tender and juicy.
3. Pork Loin Roast
Cooking Methods: Pork loin roast is a larger cut and is great for roasting. It can be seasoned with herbs, spices, and a rub. Slow roasting at a lower temperature helps keep it juicy.
4. Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt
Cooking Methods: This cut is known for its richness and flavor. It's often used for slow-cooking methods like braising, roasting, or smoking. It's perfect for pulled pork. A slow cooker or an oven set to a low temperature works well for this cut.
5. Spareribs and Baby Back Ribs
Cooking Methods: Ribs are typically cooked using slow and low methods like grilling, smoking, or baking. They can be pre-seasoned with a rub and then cooked over indirect heat. A final glaze of barbecue sauce is a popular finish.
Interesting Facts about Pork
1. Pork is the world's most-consumed meat!
2. Pork is full of nutrients, including protein, vitamins (including B-vitamins like B12 and niacin) and minerals including iron, zinc and phosphorus.
3. Pork can be leaner than you think! The loin and tenderloin are relatively low in fat.
4. Pork does not have to be cooked "well-done." Cook pork to 145°F for juicy, succulent pork!
Where to find a Whole Hog
Whole hogs for roasting can be hard to find, and we do not have any currently available on ChopLocal.
However, if you want to buy a whole or half hog, processed for your family's freezer, we encourage you to check out the hog farms on ChopLocal, and send them a message. You can also refer to this blog post about buying a whole hog.
Order Pork Online: How it Works
1. Check out the pork farms and butcher shops above.
2. Can't find one near you? Many farmers and butcher shops in the ChopLocal network will ship pork right to your door!
3. Looking for something specific? Use the search bar or filters to find the meat that's right for you.
4. Order pork online and the farmer or butcher shop will fulfill your order!
