Best place to purchase Pork Belly to make bacon

[poacherjoe]

Sadly I live in Kommifornia and the meat prices have gone through the roof. Looking for information where to purchase pork belly locally ???

 

[thirdeye]

I find them at club stores, Asian and Latino markets. It never hurts to ask a butcher shop if they will order in a whole one (12 to 14 pounds) for you.

 

[daveomak]

Costco is where I purchase bellies....

 

[SmokyMose]

I get them at Costco.
One of the "International Markets" near me has it but in 1" slices, not whole slabs.

 

[SmokinAl]

I used to make bacon with bellies, but since the prices & availability has changed. So I started making BB bacon using a butt. We actually like it better than belly bacon. It’s cheaper & leaner & has a lot more flavor. If you dry cure it & dry it, smoke it, dry it, and then slice it I think you will be amazed.

 

[thirdeye]

I get them at Costco.
One of the "International Markets" near me has it but in 1" slices, not whole slabs.

I would bet they are slicing these in the store. Ask about buying a whole belly or a smaller slab, it might be a good deal. My Sam's does this with plate ribs for the Korean style slices.... but they have the full plate ribs in back and will sell them.

 

[indaswamp]

If you dry cure it & dry it, smoke it, dry it, and then slice it I think you will be amazed.

I like the emphasis on DRY! I enjoy the deep flavor you get when bacon and BBB lose 20% moisture!

 

[smokin peachey]

I used to make bacon with bellies, but since the prices & availability has changed. So I started making BB bacon using a butt. We actually like it better than belly bacon. It’s cheaper & leaner & has a lot more flavor. If you dry cure it & dry it, smoke it, dry it, and then slice it I think you will be amazed.
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Beautiful!

 

[SmokyMose]

I would bet they are slicing these in the store. Ask about buying a whole belly or a smaller slab, it might be a good deal. My Sam's does this with plate ribs for the Korean style slices.... but they have the full plate ribs in back and will sell them.

Sometimes it's hard to find someone who speaks English.....

 

[BrianGSDTexoma]

99 Ranch use to have that pretty cheap but even they are through the roof now. Good luck on your quest. I been making breakfast sausage as butts have been less than a dollar lb lately here.

 

[thirdeye]

Sometimes it's hard to find someone who speaks English.....

Yeah.... speaking and understanding are two different things. I've found that a smile is kind of an international ice breaker in markets and some restaurants because merchants want to sell their goods. A photo on your phone like these can help a bunch. And frankly, 'bacon' is about as universal as 'Budweiser' or 'Coca-Cola' around the planet.