Key Takeaways
| Hungarian Gray | Description |
| Origin | Hungary |
| Other Names | Hungarian Steppe Cattle, Magyar Szürke |
| Uses | Meat |
| Weight | Male: 800 kg (1763 lb), Female: 525 kg (1157 lb) |
| Height | Male: 150 cm (4.9 feet), Female: 135 cm (4.4 feet) |
| Coat | Silvery-white to ash-gray |
| Horns | Horns that are long, curved, and point upwards |
Introduction to Hungarian Gray
The Hungarian Gray, also known as the Hungarian Steppe Cattle or in Hungarian as Magyar Szürke, is a special breed of cattle from Hungary that has been around for hundreds of years. These cattle are well adapted to extensive pasture systems. In the past, there were a lot of these cattle living in the Hungarian puszta.
Physical Attributes of Hungarian Gray
These animals have a coat that range from silvery-white to ash-gray. The males usually have a darker coat than the females, and they also have black scrotum and eyes ringed with black. Their skin is gray and pigmented. Calves have a reddish color when they are born and turns gray as they reach six months old. They have horns that are long, curved, and point upwards, kind of like a musical instrument called a lyre. These horns can be really long, about 70 to 80 cm!
Size and Weight of Hungarian Gray
Hungarian Gray cattle are strong, slender, and tall creatures. The male cattle, known as bulls, are about 150 cm (4.9 feet) tall at the withers and can weigh up to 800 kg (1763 lb). The female cattle or cows, are a bit smaller. They usually stand about 135 cm (4.4 feet) tall and weigh around 525 kg (1157 lb).
Uses
In the past, Hungarian Gray cattle were like two-in-one animals. They were used for their meat, but they are also draught animals, like pulling carts. Now, they are mostly raised for their meat.
The Culinary Delight of Hungarian Gray Meat
The meat from Hungarian Gray Cattle is really special because you can cook it in so many different ways. You can grill it, roast it, stew it, or braise it, and no matter what, it stays soft and tasty.
Some of the iconic Hungarian dishes featuring Gray Cattle meat include:
- Goulash
- Steaks
- Sausages and charcuterie platters
Conclusion
The Hungarian Gray Cattle is not just a breed of cattle; it’s a symbol of Hungary’s rich agricultural and cultural traditions. Its robust build, unique characteristics, and the exceptional quality of its meat make it a true gastronomic gem.
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