Leg

Fresh pork leg, also known as fresh ham, is the uncured hind leg of the hog.

Ham is leg meat that has been dry- or wet-cured.
Loin
Canadian-style bacon is fully-cooked, smoked pork loin.
Loin roast comes from the area of the pig between the shoulder and the beginning of the leg It is sold either bone-in or boneless.

Rack of pork is also referred to as  Pork rib roast (it also may be labeled center-cut pork loin). The cut originates in the rib area of the loin.

Back ribs originate from the blade and center section of the pork loin.

Country-style ribs are cut from the sirloin or rib end of the pork loin.

Cutlets are thin, tender cuts of pork that are often taken from the sirloin end of the loin.

Crown roast is an attractive special-occasion entrée created using a pork rib roast/rack of pork.
Pork chops are the most popular cut from the pork loin
Tenderloin comes from the full pork loin.

Pork cubes, slices/strips are extremely versatile. They are typically cut from the loin area - but cubes and slices/strips may be cut from virtually any fresh pork cut.

Side
Spareribs come from the belly of the hog and are known for their delicious, meaty pork flavor.
Bacon comes from the side - or belly –that has been cured and smoked.
Pork belly comes from a pig’s ‘belly’ or underside after the loin and spareribs have been removed.
Shoulder Butt

Pork shoulder is the top portion of the front leg of the hog.

Sausage is seasoned ground pork that is often enclosed in a casing. May be fresh, smoked or cured.
Blade steaks (also called pork steaks) are cut from the pork shoulder and contain the blade bone.
Ground Pork is pork that has been ground. It is unseasoned and usually is available fresh.
Arm Picnic Shoulder
Smoked hock and shank are flavorful, inexpensive cuts that originate in the front leg of the pig.
 
Description: A cutlet is a thin, tender cut of pork that is often taken from the sirloin end of the loin after the tenderloin and bones have been removed.

Occasionally cutlets also may come from the leg or from a tenderloin that has been sliced crosswise and flattened. Supermarkets also may label thin slices of cutlet as scaloppini.

Traditional cutlets are great for quick meals and casual dining. They may be prepared to stand alone as a dinner entrée or may be used in sandwiches. Cutlets are best when quickly cooked, either by sautéing or grilling.


Cooking Methods
Butcher Tips
  • When browning pork, drying the cut off with a paper towel before adding to the heat source will result in more even browning.
  • Use tongs or a spatula instead of a fork when placing pieces in the pan or when turning. Piercing meat with a fork allows juices to escape.
 
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