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Pork is the meat from the carcass of a pig. The carcass is generally split into two sides of pork, each consisting of four primal cuts. Each primal consists of subprimal cuts that are divided into several specific market ready cuts.

There are numerous pork products available, consisting of fresh, frozen, cured, smoked, uncooked, fully cooked, and many heat-n-serve products. Some products are available breaded, seasoned or marinated.

Pork cooking times and temperatures are extremely important when cooking pork. The optimum flavor and tenderness of various cuts of pork can be consistently achieved when care is taken to follow the recommended pork cooking time and temperature guidelines.

The larger pork cuts will need to be carved into smaller pieces for serving. Before carving, the meat should stand for 10 to 15 minutes after it is removed from the heat source.

When pork is grilled or broiled at the proper cooking times and temperature, the meat will have a crisp flavorful outside coating with a moist center. Grilling and broiling are basically the same type of cooking method, using dry heat that quickly cooks the surface of the pork and then slowly moves to the middle.

Tips on Selecting Cuts | Terms | Description of Cuts | Inspection and GradingRead the Label | Look and Feel | Quantity to Buy | Purchasing in Quantity When shopping for pork there are several things that you need to consider so that you will be assured of purchasing the correct quantity, quality and type of pork to satisfy your needs.

Pork Tenderloin The tenderloin is the leanest and most tender cut of pork. It is located along the bottom of the loin, starting in the center cut and running back through the sirloin end.

Pork does not have to be brined but it will provide juicier and more flavorful meat. Brining (or salting) increases the ability of the meat to hold moisture. Brining solutions will vary from a simple salt and water solution to a sweet brine in which sugar is added.

There are several methods that can be used for thawing fresh frozen pork. Pork should never be thawed out on the kitchen counter because the outside of the meat will reach a temperature above 40°F while the inside is still frozen.

Frying is a dry heat cooking method, which is a quick and simple way of cooking pork. It can be accomplished by the use of two different methods, pan-frying and deep frying.

Miscellaneous Products Pork Cutlets (Scallops) Cutlets are thin boneless pieces of meat that weigh 4 ounces or less and are taken from tender cuts, such as the tenderloin and loin.

Pork Steaks Steaks are individual cuts that are generally sliced from cuts that are used as roasts. They are most often sliced from roasts such as blade Boston roast, center loin roast, sirloin roast, and the fresh ham roast.

Pork Roasts Generally a larger cut that is used to serve several people. Roasts can range in size from as small as 2 lbs. up to 20 lbs. or more. They are available from almost all the primal cuts and vary in tenderness and leanness, depending on the cut they are taken from.

Grilling is a cooking method that uses a dry heat that quickly cooks the surface and then slowly moves to the middle of the meat. When grilled properly, the meat will have a crisp flavorful outside coating with a moist center. Grilling infuses the pork with a smoky flavor from the meat juices that drip during the grilling process.

Pork Chops Chops are smaller cuts from the loin primal cut. They are individual serving cuts that are sliced to various thicknesses. Depending in the size of the chop, 1 or 2 chops may be served as a single serving.

Microwaving is a quick and convenient method of cooking pork. When cooked properly in the microwave, the results will be a juicy, tender cut of pork. Although the flavor of the meat will not be enhanced as it is with other cooking methods, such as frying, grilling, sautéing, stir-frying and roasting, pork has the ability to absorb flavors, so its taste can be enhanced by the use of many herbs, spices and other flavorings.

Poaching is a moist heat method of cooking. It is also a healthy method of cooking pork because no fat is added during the cooking process. It retains the flavor, tenderness and moisture through a gentle simmering process.

Pork Ribs The ribs are cuts taken from the loin and the side/belly primal cuts. There are several different types of ribs and they vary in meatiness and bone structure depending on the section from which they are cut.

Hams Hams are cuts of pork that come from the leg, which have been dry-cured and smoked (country hams) or wet-cured and then boiled or smoked (city hams). The dry-cured hams are saltier, stronger flavored and have a coarser texture.

Pork today is leaner than ever before, decreasing the amount of fat in diets and resulting in health benefits for all ages. But, leaner pork also affects the way pork should be cooked.