Question on whole hog.

[gmc2003]

I've been to two parties where they've cooked a whole hog either in a smoker or a on a cinder block pit. However do to some unforeseen reason I had to leave both parties early, and never got to taste it. My question is does everything on the hog taste the same when cooked whole or do different sections of the hog taste differently. Minus the ribs, I always figured whole hog tastes like pulled pork.

Chris

 

[ghostguy6]

On the same hog I have only noticed changes in texture, not so much taste but I will admit I have not eaten that much whole hog. I would imagine there would be subtle differences because the closer to the skin the more rub, sauce and smoke the meat would adsorb. Fat content would also play a part. I will tell you this though, if you get a chance try the cheeks. It was some of the most tender meat I have ever eaten and often overlooked. I'm sure the pit master was hoping to save it for himself but offered it after we spent a few hours talking BBQ.

 

[daveomak]

Each muscle group has it's own flavor... I've smoked whole loins from the market... the end near the front shoulder tastes like butt... the other end, near the tail, tastes like ham (if cured)... the center section tastes like chops....

 

[normonster]

I went to a whole hog party last summer. They did it in a Chinese caja box (sp?). It was a spectacle, that's for sure, kids freaking out, wives nearly barfing.....which was nice.....but at the end of the day it was nothing compared to a smoked pork shoulder or some nice smoked ribs. It kind of laid there in its own oil (lots of oil) and had little seasoning. I even dug out the jowels from its face and ate that, and still, I was unimpressed. I think the guy told me it cost him $300 or something too. Not even close to worth it. I'll never do it except for the spectacle, and in that case she is going on the spit.

My $00.02. I wish it was better.

Cheers!

 

[indaswamp]

If it's cooked low and slow so that all the muscle groups are tender, it pretty much tastes all the same to me. Now the texture will be different of the leg than say the loin, but otherwise, it's pretty much like pulled pork. Once it is all pulled, shredded, and mixed, it is all the same.

 

[Bearcarver]

My Son had 3 done here by Pros, in 3 years, for his Employees.
It wasn't cheap, so he built his own Hog Cooker from a 275 gal oil tank.
He did a couple small Hog cooks on his own, and it was great for the kiddies to see, but it all tasted like Pulled Pork, with slightly different texture depending on which part you were eating.
He quit doing that & went to just doing a couple Pork Butts & some type of Beef Roast.
A lot less Hassle, less waste, and better eating for less $$$ than a Whole Hog.

Bear

 

[SonnyE]

I've been to two parties where they've cooked a whole hog either in a smoker or a on a cinder block pit. However do to some unforeseen reason I had to leave both parties early, and never got to taste it. My question is does everything on the hog taste the same when cooked whole or do different sections of the hog taste differently. Minus the ribs, I always figured whole hog tastes like pulled pork.

Chris

I think the only Whole Hog event I've ever been to was a Hawaiian Luau. A whole hog is cooked in a specially prepared Pit, and I believe in a bed of Banana leaves.
They pull the piggie, and parade it to a carving table, then deliver you plates.
I don't know if it was snout, or tail, but it was delicious!

My wife has two Uncles who are Native Hawaiian. Her Grandpa divorced her Grandma, moved to Hawaii, married again, and raised two sons.
When we married, her Son and Daughter gave us a honeymoon package to Hawaii, where we met her Uncles and Ohana's (Families). Aunt Christy gets a real kick out of us calling her Aunt. Because she is younger than we are.

 

[normonster]

SonnyE That reminds me, I've also been to a Hawaiian luau. I was a young boy but I recall that actually tasting good. Crunchy skin. :)

 

[WillRunForQue]

Thanks for asking this, gmc. I've had the same question for years, just never posted it. Responses so far are what I expected, which is why I've never done a whole hog even though my kids have asked. I've also only had whole hog at a luau. I'm sure there are masters out there that can get something besides it all tasting like pulled pork, but for an amateur I'd rather stick to cuts that I know.

 

[SmokinAl]

The only whole hog I had was pretty bland & dry tasting.
I think I'll just stick to butts!
Al

 

[Bearcarver]

The only whole hog I had was pretty bland & dry tasting.
I think I'll just stick to butts!
Al

Yup---Nothing quite like a nice Butt.

Bear