I am not one to jump on a fleeting trend, preferring the classics and adding my own style to them, so when a purveyor suggested they had access to Kurobuta Pork, my ears perked up. I ordered it and happily spent days in the kitchen testing and creating versions in which to serve it to my guests.

Kurobuta is a type of pork that comes from a specific county in England: Berkshire. The name Kurobuta comes from the Japanese term for “black pig”, since the highly revered Berkshire pig (Aka Berkshire Pork ) is largely black in color. These heritage breed hogs originate in the English countryside and have been around for centuries.

It is a breed prized for its luxurious marbling, making it much more flavorful, tender, and moist compared to conventional pork. In my experimenting, I focused on creating menu items that illuminate the pork’s elevated and rich qualities, enhancing the flavour without over-powering it. Some of my latest specials at Freddie’s Kitchen in Palm Springs have been: Crispy Kurobuta Pork Belly with sweet sour white truffle oil and a main plate of Kurobuta Pork Chop a la crème de French Morels. Join us for a taste!