Frustratedearthmother's Journaling Journey

[NH Homesteader]

I would only scale and scrape if I was going to do a whole hog roast . Other than that, too much work!

 

[sumi]

I've watched lots of you tube videos on scraping - but my big question is: Is there an advantage to leaving the skin on? Is it to protect the meat? Do you cook it with the skin on? I guess because it isn't presented to us that way here (in the stores) - I'm not familiar with it at all.

That's a great question! I almost always had pork with the skin on, except ribs, and we always cook it that way and eat the skin too. I was surprised when I moved to Ireland to see chops with the skins and fat removed. I personally like eating the skin, when it's boiled (vs fried or roast) I love it. I believe it is partly to protect the meat and partly to reduce waste of the edible parts?

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Thanks @sumi I guess it boils down to what is "normal" for your area. I wouldn't mind trying pork with the skin on. Then I could make up my mind which I preferred. I love trying new things!

 

[sumi]

As I said, I personally love pork skins. Give it a shot and let me know what you think! I know some people like cutting it into small pieces and adding it to pea soup... There are probably a lot more things you can do with it that I can't think of right now.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

I've eaten the cracklings when I rendered lard - that's pretty tasty stuff!

 

[sumi]

Ah yes! I forgot about cracklings! My dad used to make them when I was a kid. They are great!

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Picked up turnips today - probably 120 lbs! So grateful for all the free pig groceries!

 

[frustratedearthmother]

The pig that was walking around in my pasture on Sunday is mighty tasty today! I put a shoulder in the instant pot and I declare it supremely edible.

Oh - and the "turnips" I picked up yesterday are actually golden beets. Who knew? Pigs love them!

 

[CrealCritter]

I would only scale and scrape if I was going to do a whole hog roast . Other than that, too much work!

Ear, I grab an ear for every pig pickin I ever been too.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Ear, I grab an ear for every pig pickin I ever been too.

HUH? Pig Pickin? I'm so confused! LoL