Boston butt vs. Shoulder?

Maciek · December 2009

I'm making pulled pork for a new years day celebration. I've always done boston butt, but after trips to three stores, I could only find pork shoulder.

Is there any difference to cooking shoulders as opposed to butts? I am still planning on going low and slow at 250 overnight. Thanks!

Maciek

egginator · December 2009

Same thing. Boston Butt = pork shoulder roast

Bluecrab3 · December 2009

Both the same...and both low and slow!!

Hoss · December 2009

They both come off the front leg.Butt is the top,what you have is the bottom portion.I actually prefer the cut you have for pulled pork.Cook the same as a Butt.

Bacchus · December 2009

Butt is the upper half of the "shoulder". Picnic is the lower half.
Yes, 250ish until 195deg internal for either cut.

popagar0 · December 2009

you wont go wrong with one or the other. i have done both,they make great pulled pork

Bahmanicious · December 2009

My understanding is that a shoulder is the cut that includes _both_ the butt and picnic as one piece of meat. The shoulder can be separated into a butt and a picnic. I am wondering if the question is about a butt vs a picnic, not a shoulder which would be about a 15 to 20 pound cut (depending), vs about 8 pounds for a butt or picnic.

Did two shoulders last weekend. Photos on my phone. Will post later this weekend.
Best,
WA

Hungry in Lilburn · January 2010

When you guys say slow and low can I assume you are also using a plate setter and drip pan?

Maciek · January 2010

Thanks for the responses. I do believe I have two picnics, not entire shoulders. I just wanted to double check with the experts.

Happy new years to all!

Boston butt vs. Shoulder?

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