Got a surprise gift from a dear friend yesterday afternoon. Made for a busy evening, but I got it broken down and into the freezer. What am I going to BBQ first?! It's half of a Mangalitsa, or Wooly Pig.
very nice, I am not familiar with this particulate breed of hog but i am sure it well make for some great BBQ/Smokin/eating, looks like it has some good marbling on it I would be cooking up the tenderloins first if it were me maybe some pulled pork form the shoulder next? or some bbq ribs sound good as well
I'd start with getting some bacon cured! The rest is what you have time for. I've never smoked or cured a raw ham, that takes a while. I've read frozen meat, isn't as good when thawed and then smoked. The ice punctures the muscle fibers, and leaks the juices out when thawed. All that pink liquid in a thawed package of meat, tastes better in the meat, than in the sink drain.
Yeah, I'm definitely getting that belly in some cure asap! And Elder, tenderloins are dinner tomorrow for sure! Probably will do some pulled pork on the weekend if the weather holds out. I wish I had the luxury of not freezing it Mr. A, but it will just have to do. I've read the same, but in practice I've not noticed a big drop in quality after it's been frozen/thawed. For sure though, fresh is the best.
speaking of freezing, I just bought 14 pounds of frozen pork belly from my local cash and carry, plan on partially thawing it and cutting in half /and curing/smoking for bacon, and refreezing the half I do not use. hope I dont screw it up too bad
Nice Elder! Do you mind sharing the price? I can't find belly out here, and only get a little bacon when I get these sides. I'd love to stock up on some. Care to share your cure recipe? I'll get mine going this weekend and let you know what I use this time around.
Mangalitsa....Never heard of that till yesterday on two separate TV shows...Chopped and Bizarre Foods!! Apparently that is some tasty pig!!
the pork belly was $2.25 a pound at Cash and Carry https://www.smartfoodservice.com/content/store/22/ Washington Locations https://www.smartfoodservice.com/locations/WA/ the last time a made bacon I followed this recipe from Treager and smoked it on my pellet grill. I may use it again http://www.traegergrills.com/recipes/detail/224#.VKbiAHste4o but this link here has some good info and cures as well http://www.nwedible.com/2013/12/you-can-make-bacon-at-home.html
Thanks for the Cash&Carry information. Looks like there is one near me. They have good prices for baby back ribs. I'll probably go there to get some ribs and and some sides of pork for bacon. I've made bacon with belly, but not sides. I read it's meatier. Is this a membership store, or can anyone shop there?
anyone can shop there, they usually have good prices on pork butts as well but they are boneless and come in a 2 pack, I prefer the bone in. I usually wait for the sales on there beef brisket if ya look close you can find 'choice" grade brisket for around $3 per pound when on sale just a fyi if you are lookin for the belly it is not in the meat cooler with all the fresh meat, it is located in the walk in freezer with the frozen products and comes in a box where are you located Mr A?
Thanks so much Elder, looks like Bremerton is the closest to me at about 2 hours away. I'll make sure to check it out next time I make a trip South!
