Tasting dishes made with meat from a breed of sheep, indigenous to Calasparra, the Montesina, was organised by the Murcian Institute of Investigation and Development in Agriculture and Food (IMIDA) yesterday.
The Director General of IMIDA, Juana Mulero, explained that “this type of initiative aims to spread the word about the quality of the meat from this breed of sheep, which is indigenous, environmentally sustainable, allows many families to continue with their farms and creates employment.”
Ricardo García, responsible for Agriculture at the Town Hall emphasised the work of local farmers breeding and protecting the breed and helping the local economy.
The chef at the local Bar Cantero, Monserrat Cantero, was one of the stars of the day who
prepared dishes for public consumption.
On a lighter note the Mayor of Calasparra, Jose Velez, published an explanatory note on the municipal webpage after the event appeared under the headline: “Tasting Meat from Breeds in Danger of Extinction,” which apparently brought a storm of protest on social media sites.
He explained this was a promotional event for farmers who were fighting to safeguard a native species which would otherwise be in danger of extinction.
The animal is able to exploit pastural areas of difficult access but high quality and is resistent to illnesses. These pastures are now being safeguarded in order to preserve the species.
