The Sambucana sheep breed has been farmed in the Stura Valley mountains since the 18th century. Suited to high-altitude pastures, it is medium-large in size and its limbs are thin, strong and not very long. It has no horns and the head has no wool. The breed is particularly prized for its meat, which is firm, flavorful, lean and rich in protein. The lambs are generally slaughtered when they reach 18 to 25 kilos. Though the period of highest demand is around Christmas, according to valley tradition the lamb is eaten from the end of October, when the Saints’ Fair is held in Vinadio. The lambs slaughtered during this period are called “tardun” and weigh around 35 kilos; born at the end of the spring, they have been fed on mother’s milk and Alpine grasses and herbs. Their meat is firm, flavorful and lean.
Season
The production of “Christmas” lambs is from October to December, and from February to April for Easter lambs.
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Upper Stura Valley, Province of Cuneo
Presidium supported by
“L’Escaroun” Sambucano Lamb Consortium
L'Escaroun Consortium for the promotion of the Sambucana breed of sheep
Via Divisione Cuneense, 5
Demonte (Cn)
romana.fiandino@vallestura.cn.it
The consortium brings together Andrea Gastaldi, Daniele Giordano, Ernesto Fossati from Pietraporzio; Maria Luisa Arnaudo, Gloria Degioanni, Sergio Giordanetto, Libera Soldà, Giuseppe Tamagno, Mattia Tamagno from Vinadio; Andrea Bernardi, Maria Luisa Bertolotto, Elisabetta Blua, Franco Bruno, Bartolomeo Dovero, Silvia Ferrero, Diego Fossati, Daniele Rinaudo, Francesca Sicari from Demonte; Enrica Borra from Aisone; Rosella Berardengo from Moiola; Marco Barale from Roccasparvera; Renato Galfrè from Borgo San Dalmazzo; Barbara Marro from Peveragno.
The lamb is marketed by
Lou Barmaset Cooperative
Tel.+39 0171 955555
loubarmaset@pec.confcooperative.it
At the cooperative it is possible to obtain information on partner butchers.
Ecomuseum of Shepherding
Pontebernardo hamlet
Pietraporzio (Cn)Tel.+39 0171 955555
ecomuseopastorizia@vallestura.cn.it
In the ecomuseum on the pastoral life and traditions of the Stura, Grana, Maira and Gesso valleys, it is possible to buy items made of wool and felt from Sambucana sheep.
Romana Fiandino
tel. +39 0171 955555
romana.fiandino@vallestura.cn.it
Slow Food Presidium Coordinator
Maura Biancotto
Tel. +39 335 7413190
m.biancotto@slowfood.it
