Description
The Pita Pinta (Asturian Hen)
Literally translated, the Painted Hen, the Pita Pinta is the only chicken indigenous to the autonomous Austurias region of Northern Spain. On the Bay of Biscay, this proud area of Spain is north of Portugal and west of France. Boasting both rugged coasts and lushly vegetated mountains, it is one of the most well-conserved areas of the country…full of “wild spaces.” It should be no surprise that such an area, known for centuries for its agricultural prowess, should be the home of such a magnificent bird!
A medium-weight chicken, the prowess of the Pita Pinta is pasturing. They were the prize of the farm, capable of living a completely natural life while delivering copious amounts of eggs. Once ready for the table, the dish of choice was the pitu de caleya, a stew of sorts with new potatoes. (We love the Spanish preparation of covering small potatoes in very briny water and letting them boil down to “wrinkly potatoes… mmmm.)
Today, the Pita Pinta is finding its way into the hearts of conservationists, hobby farmers, and pastured-poultry enthusiasts. Fortunately, while fewer than 2,000 currently exist on the planet, the breed is gaining some ground.
As long as poultry enthusiasts and food aficionados continue to appreciate a pasturing marvel, there is hope for the Pita Pinta. This is your chance to join this small group of in-the-know folks bringing this rare and historic chicken back to farms across the globe.
Sunbird Farms couldn’t find a bird better suited for our efforts. Enjoying the Valley’s climate at the foot of California’s Sierra Nevadas, our orchards are tailor-made for these beauties. Now it’s your turn…
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.