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

Back ribs originate from the blade and center section of the 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.
Canadian-style bacon is fully-cooked, smoked pork loin.
Country-style ribs are cut from the sirloin or rib end of the pork loin.
Crown roast is an attractive special-occasion entrée created using a pork rib roast/rack of pork.

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

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.

Tenderloin comes from the full pork loin.
Pork chops are the most popular cut from the 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.
Pork belly comes from a pig’s ‘belly’ or underside after the loin and spareribs have been removed.
Bacon comes from the side - or belly –that has been cured and smoked.
Shoulder Butt
Sausage is seasoned ground pork that is often enclosed in a casing. May be fresh, smoked or cured.

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

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.
 
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Pork Rib Roast/Rack of Pork

Description: Pork rib roast is also referred to as rack of pork (it also may be labeled center-cut pork loin). The cut originates in the rib area of the loin, so it contains a bit more fat which makes it flavorful.

The pork rib roast/rack of pork is the pork equivalent of a standing beef rib roast or a rack of lamb. For reference, a pork rib roast/rack of pork is a simpler version of a pork crown roast, which is a pork rib roast/rack of pork turned into a circle and tied.

This cut makes a show-stopping centerpiece for an elegant dinner. Pork rib roast is not always available in the supermarket meatcase, but you can easily order it ahead of time. Before roasting or barbecuing the pork rib roast, it should be “Frenched.” Simply cut the meat away from the end of each rib, so that part of each bone is exposed. A butcher also can do this for you.
 


Cooking Methods
Butcher Tips
  • Do not use sharp utensils that may pierce the meat when trying to turn it because piercing allows valuable juices to escape. Use other utensils, such as wooden spoons and spatulas for turning the meat.
  • For a crisp surface on your roast, be sure the oven is fully preheated before place the roast in it and do not cover the meat while roasting.