Tails & Trotters

Tails & Trotters is a specialty butcher shop and charcuterie based in Portland, Oregon, United States. Founded with the unique mission of creating the Pacific Northwest's first signature pork, Tails & Trotters is renowned for its focus on hazelnut-finished pork. This distinctive approach to pork production draws inspiration from the traditional practices of the Parma region in Italy, where pigs are finished on a diet of chestnuts, contributing to the unique flavor and quality of the renowned Parma ham.

History[edit | edit source]

The inception of Tails & Trotters can be traced back to the collaborative vision of its founders, who sought to introduce a novel concept in pork production to the Pacific Northwest. Their idea was to replicate and adapt the European tradition of nut-finished pork to the rich agricultural landscape of Oregon. By finishing pigs on a diet primarily composed of hazelnuts, abundant in the region, Tails & Trotters aimed to produce pork with a distinctive flavor profile and superior quality.

Products and Services[edit | edit source]

Tails & Trotters offers a wide range of pork products, including fresh cuts, cured meats, and a variety of charcuterie items. The butcher shop is particularly famous for its signature hazelnut-finished pork, which is celebrated for its rich flavor, tenderness, and nutritional benefits. The product lineup extends beyond pork to include a selection of other meats, prepared foods, and specialty grocery items, catering to a diverse clientele with a taste for quality and artisanal foods.

Hazelnut-Finished Pork[edit | edit source]

The cornerstone of Tails & Trotters' product line is its hazelnut-finished pork. This unique finishing process involves feeding the pigs a diet rich in hazelnuts for the final months of their growth, resulting in pork that is not only flavorful but also has a higher content of healthy monounsaturated fats. The hazelnut diet contributes to the development of a distinctive marbling and a creamy fat cap, enhancing both the taste and texture of the meat.

Sustainability and Ethical Practices[edit | edit source]

Tails & Trotters is committed to sustainable and ethical farming practices. The pigs are sourced from local farms that adhere to high standards of animal welfare and environmental stewardship. The use of hazelnuts not only contributes to the unique quality of the pork but also represents a sustainable feed source that supports local agriculture. Tails & Trotters' dedication to sustainability extends to its operations, with efforts to minimize waste and promote a responsible food system.

Community and Recognition[edit | edit source]

Tails & Trotters has garnered acclaim both locally and nationally for its innovative approach to pork production and its commitment to quality. The butcher shop has become a staple in the Portland food scene, contributing to the city's reputation as a hub for culinary innovation and artisanal food production. Tails & Trotters' contributions to the community and the food industry have been recognized through various awards and features in culinary publications.