The origins of Berkshire Pork, Kurobuta, date back almost 300 years when legend has the Berkshire hog being discovered by Oliver Cromwell's army in winter quarters at Reading, the county seat of the shire of Berks in England. Years later, the British government gave the Berkshire hogs to the Japanese as a diplomatic gift. A strong demand was created and still exists today for the superior taste, texture and marbling of Kurobuta pork.