03-06-2013
A breeding centre for Razza Piemontese, also known as Fassone because of the muscular hypertrophy that affects thighs, buttocks and neck of these cows (from the French culard o de façon). Bred mostly in the central-southern part of Piedmont, between the provinces of Torino, Asti and Cuneo, this breed is known for its delicious meat
Piedmont is a land for gourmands: what with white truffle, Barolo and Barbaresco there are some excellent reasons to stop among these hills and enjoy the local products. In this list, it is obligatory to add also the Fassone, or Razza Piemontese meat. One of the most precious breeds of cows in the world, in fact, it is named after this region. Its origin dates back to the Pleistocene era, in an area which is now Italy’s North-West, to be precise, which at the time was the home to a breed called Aurochs. This was a non-migratory breed, because of the swamps that would later become the Pianura Padana, so it kept its genetic heritage intact.
Over 20 thousand years ago, in the same territory arrived herds of zebu from Western Pakistan, which had to stop on their journey towards Western Alps and remained in Piedmont, mixing with the local breed. Over time, some sub-species developed and today we can count 900,000 animals. The main cow breeds of Piedmont are Piemontese, Frisona, Bruna, Valdostana but there are also French breeds (the cows are weaned in France and then brought to Italy).
So what lies behind such a precious breed like the Razza Piemontese ?
Mostly bred in the central and southern part of Piedmont, between the provinces of Torino, Asti and Cuneo, it has a light grey or fromentino coat (this term is used to indicate a blond-golden coat), with darker shades on neck, thighs and shoulders and a rich black colour around the eyes. Its meat is of the highest quality thanks also to the improvements made by geneticists and science over the years.
Razza piemontese, at the roots of great tartare (photo by Passione Gourmet)
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