Pork. In the meat world and beyond, there is much debate about the common and humble pig. For most who enter the discussion, it is probably for reasons related to health.. they have heard that pork is not good to eat because of its relatively high fat content, the animal’s eating practices or the feeling that pigs are unclean animals. For others, the discussion moves into the realm of religion, and still others – for one or more of these reasons – resolve to eat pork only ‘once in a while’. For a creature with such common stature, it is interesting that it is the source among some, of much controversy.
At meatshop101, I will in most cases resist making a recommendation for or against an entire species of consumer animal based on a single consideration. In staying with the site’s theme of educating meat consumers, I feel that is where my stated purpose begins and ends. In other words, I will do my level best to put you, the consumer, in a position to make educated choices when buying meats.. but ultimately of course, the decision will be yours.
Although evidence seems to confirm that certain types of potentially harmful pathogens may be more prevalent in many pork products than with other consumer species, it seems equally true that thorough cooking will dramatically reduce the risk of foodborne illness posed by any of these products. Much of the responsibility for ensuring that pork - or any animal meat for that matter – is safe for consumers to enjoy, lies with those in the industry who produce, process and handle these products. That said, it is also very important that we, as consumers, are careful to observe safe handling practices with all meat products we plan to purchase and consume. Where appropriate in this section, I will offer the tips and practices that my experience in the industry allows me to know are ones that will greatly enhance your enjoyment of pork and other meat products without significant risk of foodborne illness. In a few words, keep your pork products in cold refrigeration, use or freeze them promptly after buying, and cook them thoroughly before eating. If these guidelines are followed consistently, there is no reason you and your family cannot enjoy the tasty versatility of the pork world!
Whether you are calling on this animal to provide the centerpiece for your coming Christmas dinner, the grill goods for Saturday’s pregame cookout.. or maybe the secret-recipe meatballs for your next Italian night, pork is a collection of meats that can more than oblige! Pork offers, in a sense, a very exciting array of cuts because many of them are so often associated with events, holidays and other special occasions. Over the years I spent in retail supermarkets, the buildup to these occasions was always a very exciting time.. the rush of folks coming in to sift through and find their perfect rack of ribs for a summer holiday or maybe that certain Christmas ham that, after much deliberation, leaves them feeling they have chosen the very best one! And very satisfyingly, the good butcher often has the pleasure of serving as wise counsel in this selection process. “Ah, that’s a beautiful ham you’ve picked out there, Mrs. Morgan.. you and your family have a merry Christmas, ok?!”
In this section, we will pay proper tribute to a consumer animal whose reputation is well below the demands we make on its edible goods. We will explore leg to loin and beyond in our quest to understand the various pork cuts and their culinary potential. So don’t fold up that grocery list just yet.. there are a world of possibilities on the pages just around the corner.
Let’s go learn our pork.. and maybe something new!
After making a career in meats at the retail and wholesale levels, everything I know about quality, food safety and convenience has led me to a new conclusion: the exploding online meat industry is now producing the best, most consistently safe and quality meat products broadly available today! As you visit and learn about meats here at meatshop101, I will stay true to this belief as I frequently offer you the tips and recommendations that I believe will lead you to the same conclusion!
