Chianina Cow Breed
History
Chianina cow breed is without a doubt one of the most important and ancient breed in Italy. It has been named after its area of origin, Val di Chiana, situated between Tuscany and Umbria. The Romans and the Etruscans used big and white cows in their triumphal processions or for the sacrifices to their gods. Sculptures of bulls dating back to that period have somatic features very similar to this breed. Chianina cow is also linked to the great reclamation works of Valdichiana, which took place between the 17th and 18th centuries. The result of human selections, but also of the hard natural selection caused by malarial fever, has reached us with wonderful and big specimens. A breed used for work and for its meat, it experienced a heavy decline in the 50s and 60s, but it gained strength again by linking its name with the steak for excellence: Fiorentina steak.
Current Production Area in the Park
Bibbiena, Chiusi della Verna, Poppi, Pratovecchio, San Godenzo, Stia.
Description
Chianina cow breed is characterized by its impressive size and white-porcelain coat with slightly grey shades in the front of the body. The head has a reduced size, short and thin horns with elliptical section, white or yellow-white at the base and black at the top. The meat is tender and succulent, with a high content in proteins and a low content in cholesterol.
Product Seasonality
All year round.
