Prep Guides for Pork – Buying
August 30, 2012
The most important factors to consider when purchasing pork are portion, fat content, cooking method and cost.
Portions
Plan for about three ounces of pork per person – around the size of a deck of cards. Start with four ounces of raw, boneless meat to get three cooked.
Fat Content
There’s no question that pork is among the leanest of choices in today’s butcher case – with certain cuts even rivaling the ever popular skinless chicken breast. In fact, most loin cuts can be labeled “extra lean”.
Cooking Method
Let your butcher know how you plan on preparing the pork. Chops, for instance, cook quickly, while a roast or belly can take a few hours.
Cost
Some boneless cuts are actually a better deal because you’re not paying for the inedible bone. Use this simple equation to figure the best value:
Cost per pound / # of servings per pound = Cost per serving
Tip: Reading the label
The “primal” or “wholesale” cut is listed first and indicates which part of the hog the meat comes from, like shoulder or leg. The “retail cut” is listed next and indicates a specific cut, likes ribs or blade roast.
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Personally my favorite pork cut is the loin. I usually cook it on my rotisire. It is always very tender & delishious!!
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