27lb pork leg. Prep?

[g cross]

My Cuban in-laws have trusted me with a Christmas tradition of a whole pig leg. This beast is 27lbs and I’m wondering if i should trim off the fat like i do on my butts?? They said no, but they don’t smoke them. There is probably 3 lbs of fat on the outside. Suggestions on this. I have a traeger. Thanks

 

[smokin vegas]

I asked a chef who works at one of the hotels here in Vegas. He also has a smoker at home and he said to leave the fat when smoking meat.

 

[chef jimmyj]

Leave the fat, get a deep drip pan. I too enjoy some fat on my meat, Cardiologist be damned, but growing up, the Old Folks would fight over the fattiest cuts. In some cultures the Fat IS what makes the feast a celebration...JJ

 

[smokin vegas]

I figure I will enjoy my self several times a month (weekends) then diet and eat healthy the rest of the time.