The pastures and scrubland are the places where Retinto cattle prefer to graze on their own, moving freely in search of food or shade. The residents of La Janda have always been aware of the quality of this meat, which is part of their diet and recipes. But now it has become a national sensation, with many visitors flocking to the local beaches from across Spain. This breed is known by tourists as "cows that walk on the beach". And so, they have earned the quality mark of "Retinto meat". As they are farm animals that are allowed to roam freely and are fed high-quality food, they offer one of the best cuts of beef.

The province of Cadiz has the largest herd of Retinto cattle in Andalusia and the second in Spain. The province has more than 100 cattle ranches, especially in the regions of La Janda and El Campo de Gibraltar, which are dotted around the Cadiz pasture land with some 10,000 mahogany-coloured specimens. They graze freely, feeding throughout the year on the great variety of wild meadows and the Mediterranean undergrowth. In Andalusia, together with the Iberian pig, they are a symbol of sustainable production without harming nature.

It is a breed with great rusticity, a mixture of the Andalusian blond and the Extremaduran red, which has been in the Iberian Peninsula for more than 2,000 years. It withstands the tough countryside weather conditions in an environment full of marked contrasts, with hot summers and relatively cold winters. This rusticity allows them to travel quite far in search of grass and water. This exercise gives them large muscles and a good fat distribution. Thanks to all this, it has a delicious flavour. Due to their extensive breeding, they tend to be a bit wary of humans and can sometimes be aggressive when they have their young ones as they have a strong animal instinct. You should bear this in mind if you visit the pasture land!

Retinto Gastronomic Routes

Around December, the Retinto Route is one of the three gastronomic routes organised every year by the Town Council of Conil. It is based on its exquisite meat, native raw material with designation of origin. Numerous restaurants and bars in the town take part and offer their customers specific menus with this excellent product, certified as such by the National Association of Breeders of Select Cattle of the Retinto Breed, which endorses this event. The beef is always served with seasonal products from the Conil countryside, known for their delicious flavour and variety.

Zahara de los Atunes has its own route based on this dark pink beef that is so tasty, tender and juicy, and ideal for grilling or cooking in stew. Recently, Barbate also joined with a new initiative, although the oldest event takes place in Vejer. The Conformation Contest of the Select Retinto Cattle, where the best specimens receive prizes, is almost in its 40th year.