Is brining hocks a necessity?

[Wardogg]

We recently butchered our first pig at home and I would like to smoke and then freeze the hocks for later use. Is it necessary to brine the hocks prior to smoking?

An internet search turns up only brining versions of smoking hocks.

 

[BrianGSDTexoma]

They are usually cured then smoked. That the way I like them.

 

[smokerjim]

You dont have to but you wont get that hammy taste if they are not cured. they'll taste like smoked pork, also you'll need to smoke them at higher temps.

 

[HalfSmoked]

Yup if freezing its not necessary but you will not get the same taste as if you cured them.

Warren