Fatback in Iowa?

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daniels

Meat Mopper
Original poster
Dec 28, 2011
252
45
South-central Iowa
With Iowa being the #1 hog producing state you'd think I could find fatback everywhere but no.  I even tried Fareway where they have a butcher shop somewhat like the old time butcher shops I remember as a kid.

I'm in the Des Moines area.  Anyone know where I can find fatback?  If I can't find it is pork belly a 'close enough' substitute for making fresh pork breakfast sausage?
 
I personally just use butts with a thick fat cap when making breakfast sausage. Most people figure it to be 80/20. That being said, belly is between 50-60% lean. If you're shooting for a 30% fat sausage, you can do some math to add enough belly to get that extra 10%. I would think Fareway could order you fatback. Otherwise check some meat processors. If they process deer, they could likely source fatback. http://bbgrocerymeatdeli.com/pork/ comes to mind.
 
Try meat lockers. One in Winterset may sell you some. Fareway is a bust for me too. Think that locker is Kirkpatricks. Call them and they may have some.
 
Not in Iowa, but my butcher wouldn't give any of his up the other day. Never been a problem before! As was mentioned the fat cap off a shoulder or picnic will work just fine too.
 
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