The UK, and many countries around the world love pork, and British pork is admired all around the world.
Pork is an important ingredient in many of Britain’s national dishes – such as Pork Pies to a Sunday Roast Pork with Apple Sauce. It is also very popular in Italian food, and is also used a lot in South East Asian food.
what to look for when buying pork
When buying cuts of pork, look for a deep-pink colour, not grey or red. Raw pork doesn't smell very pleasant anyway, but any unusual bad smells would mean it is off. If in doubt, don't eat it!
Pork should have be slightly marbled with fat, which should be firm and white.
Pork is a fatty meat. Eating too much can cause high cholesterol.
how to store pork
Always store pork in a sealed container in the fridge or freezer (for up to 6 months) and remember to defrost it thoroughly before cooking.
Fresh pork should be stored in the fridge or freezer. Pork mince should be eaten on the day of purchase.
HOW TO COOK pork
Every part of the pig can be eaten, right from the nose to the tail. The key to cooking pork well is knowing how to cook each different cut.
Another important thing to remember when you cook pork is that you should seasoned the meat well! But, this doesn’t have to just be with salt and pepper, you can also use lots of herbs, spices or even use a brine to give the pork flavour.
Pork should not be eaten if it is raw or undercooked. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the meat is cooked - pork needs to reach at least 65⁰C in the centre to be safe. Usually, you will see pork cooked all the way through, but still lovely and moist.
Like most meats, you should let the pork come up to room temperature before cooking it, and left to rest for a while after cooking.
how to slow cook pork
The most common cuts of pork for slow cooking are the leg, shoulder, cheek and belly.
Cuts of pork that have a higher fat content and are tougher are best for slow cooking, as this will help tenderise them and make a beautiful melt in the mouth meal.
Pot roasting, Pressure cooking, stewing and braising are all good methods for cooking these uglier cuts of pork, just make sure the meat is basted at regular intervals to avoid it drying out.
how to quick cook pork
The tender cuts of pork that are less used by the pig are better for cooking quickly – either in a pan on the stove or in the oven.
Don't overcook pork though! It goes dry and tough, so make sure to keep an eye on it as it cooks!
The cuts of pork that are best for quick cooking are pork loin and fillet, or tenderloin as it is usually known.
These cuts are sometimes marinated first to give them great flavour.
what goes with pork?
Pork is a rich, fatty meat which, although it is delicious, can be sickly if it is not paired with sharper tasting ingredients.
A great ingredient that goes with Pork is apple, which is usually served in meals such as Roast pork, Pork and Apple sandwich etc.
In some Asian countries, honey and soy sauce go nicely with pork. Its sweet and salty flavours go very will with the rich flavour of Pork.
