Pork is the most widely consumed meat globally, but it wasn’t always a dietary staple. Tracing back thousands of years reveals some fascinating intersections between pork and Native American cultures. Did Indigenous tribes eat pork before European contact? How did pork consumption evolve among Native Americans over time? Let’s find out! Pork’s Pre-Contact History in … Read more
Brined Pork Chops, bone-in chops are left to brine for 24 hours, then grilled and devoured! The Complete Guide to Brining Pork Chops Overnight for Perfectly Juicy Meat As a busy home cook, I’m always looking for ways to add flavor to simple ingredients like pork chops I discovered that brining is a fantastic technique … Read more
Nitrates and nitrites are common food preservatives, especially in cured and processed meats like ham, bacon, sausages and deli meats. They give these foods their characteristic pink color and unique flavor However, there are concerns that nitrates and nitrites in pork and other meats may have negative health effects. This article provides a deep dive … Read more
A Smithfield hardwood smoked half ham is a classic main dish that can be the centerpiece of a memorable meal. With its rich, smoky flavor and impressive presentation, it’s perfect for holidays and special occasions. If you’re lucky enough to have one of these hams in your possession, you may be wondering exactly how to … Read more
For many who grew up in the 50s 60s or 70s, Hormel ham patties hold a nostalgic place in their food memories. These convenient canned ham discs dominated lunchboxes and school cafeterias for decades. But in today’s world of uncured deli meats and artisanal charcuterie, do they still make these old-school canned ham patties? The … Read more
The richest sources of collagen are skin, bone, joint material and certain organs. These can come from any fish, fowl, or land animal. To combat your 1-2% loss of collagen every year, you need to eat foods high in collagen. It’s only found in four foods: bone broth, some organ meats, meat on the bone … Read more
For a long time, pork rinds were only sold at gas stations and convenience stores. Now, you can also find them at regular grocery stores. Some companies offer gourmet flavors of pork rinds. Some high-end restaurants have even added gourmet pork rinds to their menus. Pork rinds have become an increasingly popular snack in recent … Read more
When processing deer, deer shanks are often tossed aside. This sinewy cut can make it hard to grind and chewy if not cooked properly. But venison shanks can be tender and tasty if they are handled and cooked the right way (hint: low and slow is key). From Field to Plates wild game chef Jeremiah … Read more
There’s no replacing the savory, salty crunch of bacon. Almost every dish can have this meat added to it in some way. It goes well with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With that in mind, you may keep your freezer stocked with at least one package of bacon. Having frozen bacon on hand is helpful, but … Read more
Many agricultural products are restricted or banned from entering the United States. These products can bring in pests and diseases from other countries that hurt American farms and the environment. Please follow the tips on this page about products you might want to bring into the United States. This will help keep American agriculture healthy. … Read more