The Chianina cattle breed – a delicacy from Tuscany

What is so special about the Razza Chianina?

We have recently added Bistecca Fiorentina to our range, the very best meat from Tuscany, which comes from Chianina cattle. Traditionally, only meat from this breed of cattle is used for the Florentine beefsteak, as the Tuscans swear by the quality of this ancient breed. Unlike Holstein cattle, for example, which is ubiquitous in Germany with its black and white coat coloring and is a fairly recent breed (originating in North America in the 17th century), the Razza Chianina is at least an ancient breed of cattle.

Two Chianina cattle in front of the Macelleria Falorni

History of the Chianina cattle

Even the Etruscans praised the qualities of these cattle. And when you look at the animals with their protruding horns, you can’t help but think of ancient depictions of draught animals. The Roman writer Pliny the Elder also found them worthy of mention. Outside Tuscany, where the breed originated, it is also found in Umbria and the Marche region. The Razza Chianina is named after the Chiana Valley in Tuscany, where they characterize the landscape as happy grazing cattle. Before the invention of the tractor, it was the Chianina cattle that pulled the heavy farm equipment across the fields, but today they are kept exclusively for meat production.

The cattle are literally paraded around

Characteristics of Chianina cattle

The Razza Chianina is not only one of the oldest in the world (the resemblance to the Ur is unmistakable), it is also the largest of all cattle breeds. The largest bull measured to date entered the Guinness Book of Records in 2007 with a height at withers of 2.05 meters. In contrast, a Holstein cow is only around 1.45 m high. The calves of Chianina cows are born with a reddish-brown coat, but in adulthood the coat is creamy white, which somehow makes them look even more noble.

Order Chianina meat

The meat of Chianina cattle is a delicacy and therefore hard to come by. However, our partners at the Falorni butcher’s in Greve have made it possible for you, our German customers, to bring this Tuscan delicacy home with you. However, due to the exclusivity of the breed, it is not possible to produce the steaks in stock. For this reason, the Bistecca Fiorentina is only available from us every two to three weeks and must be ordered in advance.

Addendum:

In close consultation with Stefano Falorni, the master butcher at Antica Macelleria Falorni, we decided in 2017 to offer you equally high-quality meat from the Limousin and Charolais breeds. There are several reasons for this: For example, the meat of these cattle breeds is much more tender and juicier. Furthermore, the meat of Chianina cattle is only available in very small quantities and is therefore very expensive.

If you have any further questions, please contact our customer service.