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PGI — Centre-Val de Loire
The black hens of Berry, an ancient and hardy breed, delicate flesh with a taste of hazelnut and terroir.
Free-range poultry from Centre-Val de Loire, PGI (IGP) since 1996.
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The Poule Noire du Berry is a local dual-purpose breed (meat and eggs), hardy and slow-growing. Its breed standard was registered in 1912 by Baron Henri de Laage de Vandoeuvres; long common in Berry markets and on local farms, it came close to disappearing before being saved and revived by passionate breeders. Today, it is one of the breeds selected under the Volailles du Berry PGI, which also covers birds of the Malvoisine breed (derived from the Faverolles, in Eure-et-Loir) with white, salmon or brown plumage. The Volailles du Berry PGI was recognised in 1996.
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The geographical area of the Volailles du Berry PGI covers the départements of Indre and Cher, as well as their neighbouring cantons — the former province of Berry. The poultry are reared free-range on vast grassy ranges, fed on cereals (at least 75% of the ration), grass, insects and earthworms, with slow growth that extends well beyond the first six weeks. This extensive rearing produces fine, flavoursome flesh, marked by a hazelnut note.
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Poultry farming has long held an established place in the Berry diet: historical records attest to festive banquets and gifts of farmyard poultry presented to distinguished visitors in the region. The Poule Noire du Berry, long reared on the farms of Berry, came close to disappearing in the face of hybrid breeds before being saved and revived by passionate breeders. Organised around the Syndicat Malvoisine, the sector today oversees the preservation of these local breeds under the PGI.
Appearance
Powerful body, characteristic head, without heaviness; white, salmon or brown plumage depending on the bird, or entirely black for the Poule Noire du Berry variant, selected under the same PGI. Weight of the cockerel from 3.5 to 4 kg, of the hen from 2.8 to 3.5 kg.
Taste
Fine flesh, whose extended rearing develops its flavour qualities; pronounced hazelnut note for the Poule Noire du Berry.
Texture
Compact, flavoursome flesh, with thin skin that turns crispy when cooked.
The Volailles du Berry PGI covers five types of poultry: chickens, guinea fowl, turkeys, capons and poulardes. The chicken is reared for a minimum of 150 days on vast grassy ranges. The product is marketed whole, with or without head, or as cuts packaged in a protective atmosphere.
a diet composed of at least 75% cereals, supplemented with vegetables, minerals and vitamins.
free-range rearing on vast grassy ranges; the poultry also find grass, insects and earthworms there.
slow rearing, extended beyond the first six weeks; the chicken is reared for a minimum of 150 days.
marketed whole, with or without head, or as cuts in a protective atmosphere.
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Volailles du Berry are enjoyed oven-roasted, the thin skin becoming crispy and developing a delicate hazelnut flavour, or in slow-cooked dishes. Traditional recipes pair them with foie gras or local wines, stuffed and garnished with vegetables, cooked in butter, and enhanced with herbs, mushrooms or truffle.
Since: 1996
Area covered: Indre, Cher and neighbouring cantons
Key requirements: Malvoisine or other slow-growing breed (including the Poule Noire du Berry), grassy range, feed containing ≥ 75% cereals, chicken reared for a minimum of 150 days
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