Borgoy mutton facts for kids
Borgoy mutton is a special kind of sheep meat. It comes from sheep raised in a unique area called the Dzhida valley, in the Borgoy region of Buryatia. This meat is famous for its special taste and is a well-known brand from Buryatia.
A Special History
Borgoy mutton has a long and interesting history! Long ago, it was even served to the Russian royal family. For example, it was part of a special dinner when Nicholas I became emperor. Later, during the Soviet era, this meat was very popular. You could find "Borgoiskaya lamb" sold in famous stores in Moscow.
The sheep that produce Borgoy mutton live in a perfect climate. They graze on land that has a lot of natural salt. This salt gives the meat its unique and delicious flavor. Many books and travel guides have written about how special Borgoy mutton is.
In Soviet times, Borgoy mutton was considered one of the best meats in the country. It was even popular in other countries. Its fame was so great that a movie called "The Shepherds of Borghoy" was made about it!
Why the Meat Tastes Special
Near a place called Beloozersk, there's a White Lake. In the spring, salt comes out of the ground there. This salt is called hugir. The lake water itself is very salty, and the salty mud from it is even thought to have healing properties.
When spring winds blow, they pick up tiny bits of this salt dust. This dust spreads over the nearby pastures where the sheep graze. As the sheep eat the grass with this salt, it affects their bodies. This natural salt gives the meat its special taste.
Scientists have studied Borgoy mutton. They found that it has more healthy fats than other meats. It also has very little cholesterol. Plus, it's full of important minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and selenium. It also contains valuable vitamins like B, E, K, and PP.
Today's Situation
After the USSR broke apart, many farms faced challenges. The Borgoy mutton brand was in danger of disappearing. Even the types of grasses in the Borgoy steppes changed, which also affected the sheep.
But now, people are working hard to protect and promote this special brand. The Dzhida region, where the Borgoy steppe is located, is still known as the main meat-producing area of Buryatia.
The Borgoysky Breeding Plant is one of the biggest farms in Buryatia. This company is a leader in raising a special type of sheep called the Buryat type. These sheep are known for their fine wool. The farm started in 1927 and has been working on breeding these sheep ever since.
Research has shown that these sheep gain a lot of weight quickly when grazing in the Borgoy area. Other regions have even shown interest in breeding these special sheep. Today, Borgoy mutton is trying to become the official brand of Buryatia.
See also
In Spanish: Cordero de Borgoy para niños
