Going whole Hog in the Fall

IrishDevl · February 2012

So a family friend upstate NY raises pigs, we just put in an order for one whole pig. As far as I know he feeds grass majority of it's life, then starts on a grain diet toward the end to fatten it up. I bought a half in the past and they are fabulous. He basically breaks even on his pigs, just loves the hobby of raising them. He also raises cows (same way I think), and I recently had a ribeye from one, and I must say it was one of the most flavorful steaks I have ever eaten. Highly recommend this if possible.

stike · February 2012

Tell him not to grind a damn thing, and if you can, keep the subprimals whole. Dont let some dude determine how thick you like your chops.

You can break much of it down yourself.

Check out the book 'Good Meat'. I'm sure there are better, but it is a good all 'round intro to buying sides or whole animals, and utilising them and thereby respecting them

Get the hocks, head, etc. Respect the animal and it will repay you tenfold.

Jane Grigson was a little ahead of her time in reminding us what things were like not more than 50-60 years ago. Check her "Charcuterie and french cooking" (or something like that). On kindle it's maybe 9 bucks.

She uses the whole pig. And yet there's nothing that is ground except some sausage.

Great that you know the guy who raises them.
Lucky bastard

IrishDevl · February 2012

I will do that, he gave me a quarter pig last time and not much grinded with the exception of some sausage. Loved it, wonderful stuff, and looking forward to the next batch.

travisstrick · February 2012

Usually, when I shoot a wild hog, I get the whole thing ground into sausage. Whole hog sausage is about as good as it gets. Either that or I'll cut them in half to Q on a big fire.

IrishDevl · February 2012

Fabulous my man, good stuff. Mine will be farm raised pig, might have missed in the title, sorry. But, I want to go on that hunt, let me know, am I worthy?

travisstrick · February 2012

If you're ever in the Central Texas area, we can defiantly make it happen. I shot those in South GA but, Cen Tex is pretty darn good .

IrishDevl · February 2012

Dude, I would love it, but I am a Northwest homeboy.

IrishDevl · February 2012

might shoot myself in the foot.

travisstrick · February 2012

I am a certified firearms instructor. I've trained thousands of folks, I'm sure you could do it.

bhugg · February 2012

Not to invite myself, but I would love to harvest a wild hog, even if it's against my sports religion, seeing as I am a razorback fan and all.

Village Idiot · February 2012

There are about 2 million feral hogs in Texas, more than any other state. They cause massive amounts of damage to the agricultural industry and wildlife. Come on down and kill as many as you can.