Price of pork bellies and chosing them

[kryinggame]

I want to try making bacon.

So far, I've located 2 butchers near Charlotte that sells pork bellies.  There's a yuppie butcher shop, 20 minutes away from me that sells pork bellies for $6.99 a pound.  That in my opinion is outrageous.  There's another place which is 1 hour away (2 hours total trip) which sells them for $ 2.39 a pound.

That's $4.60 difference per pound. 

If I choose to drive the 2 hours, how can I tell if it's good meat.  Other than smell, how do I tell if the meat is fresh and not overly frozen.

Thanks!

 

[pops6927]

Practically all pork is delivered partially or totally frozen.  It should be sold within 6 months of freezing.  It will retain most of it's pink color when thawed with dark edges.  Be sure it is not slimy and an off odor.  It was either frozen or refrozen after turning bad or let go bad after unthawing.  Boar bellies have a stronger, meatier smell, but not a sour smell.

 

[scarbelly]

With the price of gas you need to see if you actually save with that long of a drive - 

 

[kryinggame]

With the price of gas you need to see if you actually save with that long of a drive - 

The other place probably realizes that, which is why they're charging so much. I was told that there's been a serious demand for pork bellies so they're giving it a try. And, again, there's no other place that keeps them in stock within an hour's drive.  Geez.  I'm going to have to rethink this. 

 

[fpnmf]

>>>>>[color= rgb(24, 24, 24)]  And, again, there's no other place that keeps them in stock within an hour's drive.  Geez.  I'm going to have to rethink this. [/color]

[color= rgb(24, 24, 24)]The store I get bellies from does not stock them..[/color]

[color= rgb(24, 24, 24)]Its a small town piggly wiggly..was an independent with a butcher shop.[/color]

[color= rgb(24, 24, 24)]When bellies are needed Raptor and I order a case and split it.[/color]

[color= rgb(24, 24, 24)]If he isnt needing any  I get the whole case ..it aint gonna spoil in the freezer.[/color]

 

[bigreido]

I'm in Gastonia and would like the names of the stores you located if you don't mind.  If your still looking, wanna split a case?

 

[kryinggame]

I'm in Gastonia and would like the names of the stores you located if you don't mind.  If your still looking, wanna split a case?

Hey man, earlier today I picked up 5lbs of pork belly. I got it from the butcher at Compare, which is a Hispanic supermarket on South Boulevard. The butcher is very clean and they have quite a selection. I paid $13.00 for the 5lbs.

 

[shoneyboy]

I want to try making bacon.

So far, I've located 2 butchers near Charlotte that sells pork bellies.  There's a yuppie butcher shop, 20 minutes away from me that sells pork bellies for $6.99 a pound.  That in my opinion is outrageous.  There's another place which is 1 hour away (2 hours total trip) which sells them for $ 2.39 a pound.

That's $4.60 difference per pound. 

If I choose to drive the 2 hours, how can I tell if it's good meat.  Other than smell, how do I tell if the meat is fresh and not overly frozen.

Thanks!

Why not try making Buck Board Bacon....it's made using Boston Butt and are usually a little easier to find and cheaper to buy.....ShoneyBoy

 

[red dog]

You might want to try asking the meat department at your local supermarket. They are ussualy pretty helpful and may be able to order some for you. If they don't have to stock in their meat case the price is generally reasonable. It doesn't hurt to ask and you may make a new friend.

 

[kryinggame]

Nah guys, don't need any more friends and won't do boston butts for bacon. I've discovered the holy mecca--Hispanic Supermarkets!!!

Seriously, I'm not joking--the Supermarket that I went to, Compare has a great meat market with excellent prices. Generally Hispanic foods is flavored with great spices.  I've found so many great things there.  I'm gonna one bacon, smokin, fool. 

8 more days until this canon is nice and cured.  I can't wait!!!

 

[exromenyer]

Nah guys, don't need any more friends and won't do boston butts for bacon. I've discovered the holy mecca--Hispanic Supermarkets!!!

Seriously, I'm not joking--the Supermarket that I went to, Compare has a great meat market with excellent prices. Generally Hispanic foods is flavored with great spices.  I've found so many great things there.  I'm gonna one bacon, smokin, fool. 

8 more days until this canon is nice and cured.  I can't wait!!!

kryinggame..... I live in Concord NC... Typically I go to the Stock Market on Hwy 29 and they are VERY reasonable.  Also watch your adv's for Harris Teeter and Food lion as they put butts on sale every now and then.  As for pork belly, look up Cruse Meats in Rimer NC which is a little town outside of Concord up off of Hwy 49 going North past the Cabarrus Arena.  Call before you go and they take CASH no debit cards !  Also while you are there pick up a bag of their Breakfast sausage.  Not sure of your taste but it's the best I've ever had.  Another note (sorry) for Christmas last year I had them cut me a Prime Rib that I did in the oven.  It fed over 13 people with leftovers.  Expensive yes, but the quality and cut of meat was out of this world....

Hope I've helped out a bit....

Tony

 

[kryinggame]

kryinggame..... I live in Concord NC... Typically I go to the Stock Market on Hwy 29 and they are VERY reasonable.  Also watch your adv's for Harris Teeter and Food lion as they put butts on sale every now and then.  As for pork belly, look up Cruse Meats in Rimer NC which is a little town outside of Concord up off of Hwy 49 going North past the Cabarrus Arena.  Call before you go and they take CASH no debit cards !  Also while you are there pick up a bag of their Breakfast sausage.  Not sure of your taste but it's the best I've ever had.  Another note (sorry) for Christmas last year I had them cut me a Prime Rib that I did in the oven.  It fed over 13 people with leftovers.  Expensive yes, but the quality and cut of meat was out of this world....

Hope I've helped out a bit....

Tony

Hey man,

I've got to check out Stock Market one day--I've heard so much about them.  Only thing is, I live by Lake Wylie and that's a hell of a long drive.  I really love Compare supermarket--they have a good butcher and the meat department is clean.

Over the Summer, Harris Teeter had Boston Butts on sale for .99 a lb.  I bought quite a few. Trust me, I'll have enough butts to last me until next Spring. 

I'm not sure what I'm going to smoke this weekend--I'm really tired of ribs and brisket.  I might keep it simple and do some wings. 

Thanks for the info.