Before you go shopping for pork, it’s helpful to know some basic facts about it and the raw cuts that are used to make the retail cuts. Buying and cooking today’s lean pork chops or tenderloins can be a challenge. Also, there are a lot of different cuts of pork in the market, and many of them are sold under different names. Pork labels can also be confusing. Our retail cuts chart will help you understand shopping for pork, cut by cut.
As a thrifty home cook and bargain shopper, I’m always looking for ways to stretch my grocery budget. When it comes to meat, I’ve found that pork offers great value and versatility at an affordable price point. However, not all cuts of the other white meat are created equal when it comes to cost. Some premium cuts fetch a higher price per pound that budget-minded shoppers may balk at.
This got me wondering – what exactly are the most expensive cuts of pork, and why are they priced higher than other options? As a pork enthusiast, I decided to do some digging to uncover which cuts break the bank and understand what puts them in a higher class from an economic perspective
In this article, I’ll share my findings on the costliest pork cuts, dive into what makes them so pricey, and provide tips for enjoying premium pork without breaking your wallet. Let’s start at the top and count down to reveal the #1 most expensive cut of porcine delicacy.
#5 – Tenderloin
Kicking off the list at #5 is the lean, tender and versatile pork tenderloin. Coming from the loin section along the pig’s backbone, this cut runs just under $5 per pound on average.
Compared to other loin cuts, the tenderloin is more costly due to its exceptionally tender texture. With little intramuscular fat, it requires careful cooking to prevent dryness, but rewards proper preparation with its mild flavor and buttery smooth texture.
While too pricey for everyday meals, pork tenderloin makes an elegant and easy main course for special occasions. Opt for portioned tenderloin medallions or filets for indulgence without overspending.
#4 – Crown Roast
Up next at #4 is an impressive and decadent holiday centerpiece – the crown roast. With an average price tag of $5.50 per pound this rack of meat formalizes any feast.
A crown roast involves tying two bone-in pork loin racks together to form a ring of chops surrounding a hollow center which can be filled with a grain stuffing or vegetable medley.
The labor involved in fabricating this ornate cut, along with its stately appearance, commands a higher price. Crown roasts require careful seasoning and roasting to achieve a browned exterior and moist, juicy interior throughout the uneven shape.
For memorable gatherings, a crown roast offers lavish presentation without breaking the bank. Share the memorable meal with guests to balance the splurge.
#3 – Porterhouse/T-Bone Chops
The bronze medal for costly pork goes to porterhouse and T-bone chops, premium cuts from the loin containing both the tenderloin and a piece of backbone. Big chops clock in around $6 per pound.
Like their bovine counterparts, these extra-thick pork chops consist of both lean, tender meat and richly marbled meat on either side of the bone. Their heft and hybrid composition makes them one of the priciest pork cuts.
Best prepared using quick, hot cooking methods like grilling or pan searing to medium doneness, these chops are worth the occasional splurge for their handsome presentation and varied textures in one chop.
#2 – Baby Back Ribs
Our runner up for most expensive pork cut is a barbecue staple and crowd-pleaser – baby back ribs. These succulent, fall-off-the-bone ribs will set you back around $7 per pound.
Cut from the loin near the spine, baby back ribs come from a younger hog and contain a high ratio of meat to bone and fat. The “rack” presentation also adds value from a visual standpoint.
The premium price tag of baby backs is warranted for special occasion grilling and smoking. Watch for rack sales, or purchase individual ribs to keep costs in check. Proper slow, low, and wet preparation renders out fat and creates finger-licking ribs worth the investment.
#1 – The Belly/Side Bacon
And the winner for the costliest cut of pork per pound is…the belly, averaging around $7.50 per pound. More specifically when cured and smoked into side bacon, the belly fetches top dollar.
As the source of prized bacon, the boneless pork belly commands premium pricing for its luscious marbling, meaty flavor, and versatile fat content. The labor involved in properly curing and smoking this fatty cut also boosts cost.
While regular side bacon is pricey, the belly offers outstanding value when purchased fresh for uses like roasting, confiting, or making your own bacon. For specialty bacon like applewood smoked or thick-cut, prices can run even higher.
So there you have it, the crème de la crème of costly pork cuts revealed! While these premium options come with higher price tags, a little clever cooking and apportioning can help you enjoy their memorable flavors and textures without completely breaking the bank.
With the intel above, you can now enter the pork aisle armed with knowledge of which cuts from the piggy bank will give you the most bang for your buck. Happy (thrifty) hunting!
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Before you go shopping for pork, it’s helpful to know some basic facts about it and the raw cuts that are used to make the retail cuts. Buying and cooking today’s lean pork chops or tenderloins can be a challenge. Also, there are a lot of different cuts of pork in the market, and many of them are sold under different names. Pork labels can also be confusing. Our retail cuts chart will help you understand shopping for pork, cut by cut.
Primal Cuts of Pork
Four different cuts of pork are sold at the wholesale level. The butcher will make the retail cuts that you bring home from the market from these first cuts, which are called primal cuts in the business. This usually happens at a meatpacking plant in the Midwest, but it can also happen at your market.
Shoulder: Cuts from the top part of the shoulder, which is called the “blade shoulder,” are full of fat and connective tissue, which makes them perfect for slow cooking methods like braising, stewing, or grilling. A little less expensive are cuts from the arm, or picnic shoulder, than those from the blade area. Other than that, they’re pretty much the same.
Loin: The area between the shoulder and back legs is the leanest, most tender part of the animal. Rib and loin chops are cut from this area, as are pork loin roasts and tenderloin roasts. These cuts will be dry if overcooked.
Leg: The rear legs are often referred to as “ham. ” This primal cut is sold as large roasts and is available fresh or cured.
Side/Belly: The underside is the fattiest part of the animal and is the source of bacon and spareribs.
Which part of pork is most expensive?
FAQ
Which pork cut is the most expensive?
What is the most expensive pork?
Which part of pork is expensive?
What are the top 5 pork cuts?
How much does a pork loin roast cost?
1. Pork Loin Roast Average national price: $1.86 per pound for boneless (while bone-in loin is just $1.19 per pound). What it is: If you enjoy juicy pork chops and tenderloin, the loin roast is the lean, mild-tasting, more budget-friendly cut to keep on your radar.
What are the 5 most popular cuts of pork?
This is your guide to getting better acquainted with the five most popular cuts of pork: chops, tenderloin, loin roast, spareribs, and shoulder. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from what to buy at the grocery store to how to handle the meat when you get home to the best methods for cooking each cut. 1. Pork Chops
How much does pork shoulder cost per pound?
Average national price: $2.47 per pound What it is: Pork shoulder, also referred to as pork butt or Boston butt, is the large, tough cut of meat that’s marbled with fat from the pig’s shoulder region. It is sold boneless and bone-in, and typically weighs between five and 10 pounds.
What are the cheapest cuts of meat?
Meat cuts like pork shoulder and ground beef are also more affordable, but you can find quite a few meat options at decent prices if you know the tricks. In this guide, we will walk you through the cheapest meats you can buy as well as the cheapest cuts of meat.