Best Cuts of Kunekune Pork

Kunekune pork is prized for its fat and flavor, making certain cuts especially desirable.

Pork Belly

Pork belly is one of the most sought-after cuts.  Because Kunekunes produce excellent fat, their pork belly is ideal for:

• bacon

• roasting

• slow smoking

For the health conscious consumers, more people are seeking out uncured bacon, free of nitrates, nitrites, and added preservatives.  It's a perfect blank canvas for someone wanting to smoke their own.

Pork Shoulder

Also called Boston butt, this cut is perfect for:

• pulled pork

• braising

• slow roasting

• shoulder steaks (pork ribeye or coppa -- our favorite!)

The fat content helps keep the meat moist during long cooking times.

Pork Leg and Shanks

Also called the hams, these cuts don't have to exclusively be used to cure a ham.  Some of our favorites include:

• ham steaks and whole hams
• pork cutlets
• picnic ham (front leg ham)

The rich, sweet flavor that Kunekune pork naturally carriers really brings out the perfect sweetness in traditional brown sugar rubbed hams and roasts.

Pork Chops

Well-marbled pork chops from heritage pigs can rival steak in flavor.

Best cooking methods:

• cast iron searing
• grilling
• pan roasting

Pork Jowl

Jowl is often used for:

• guanciale
• cured pork (jowl bacon is excellent for sandwiches!)
• flavoring soups and beans

Lard and Pork Fat

Heritage pork fat can be rendered into high-quality cooking lard, a traditional fat used for baking and frying.

Many cooks prize lard for its clean flavor and high heat stability.

Final Thoughts

Kunekune pork represents a return to traditional pork raised for flavor rather than speed of production.

If you've been searching for pasture-raised pork near Dallas-Fort Worth, you've found one of the best kept secrets of the pork world: Kunekune pork!  Want to learn more about this delicious pork breed?

> Learn About Whole and Half Kunekune Hog Shares

> How Much Freezer Space Do I Need for Bulk Meat?

> How Does the Process Of Buying a Whole Or Half Hog Work?

For consumers seeking heritage meat from small farms, sourcing pork directly from producers such as Dos Lobos Ranch allows them to experience pork the way it was meant to taste.