Mirandesa

Characteristics

Mirandesa is a native Portuguese cattle breed whose historic centre is Terra Fria Transmontana. Long used for draught work, it is now oriented to beef production, with its own herd book and dedicated regional supply chain.

The coat is chestnut with paler natural openings and white horns with dark tips. The breed association gives 500–600 kg for mature females and 900–1,000 kg for males; the same sheet does not publish one numerical height reference.

Taste

When properly aged, Mirandesa can offer an elegant savoury flavour, gentle sweetness, fine grain and balanced juiciness. Choose it for a regional menu that needs character without excessive fat: fillet, loin and rump for quick cooking, hindquarter cuts for roasting, and shoulder or chuck in slow recipes.