Finally found a source for some bellies. Looks like I am going to have to buy a 50# case. Supposedly I can get them skin on or skin off. Still have not gotten the price.
If I were to buy skin on, how much of my purchased weight will be skin? Trying to figure out whether skin on or off is truly the better deal.
Can I freeze some of the bellies and use them as I need them? Or do I have to cure and smoke them ASAP?
You can freeze them and use as needed... No problems there.
I would go with the skin off, unless it is going to significantly increase the price.
Last time I actually checked the weight of the skin I averaged about 2 lbs per bellie. The bellies weighed an average of 12 lbs before skin removal so roughly 15% of the intial weight. I too have to buy them in 50# boxes and can only get them skin on. They come frozen and pull one bellie out at a time defrost and cure. It is some work getting the skin off make sure to use a sharp knife. Habs suggested to me to use a skinning knife which works much easier. It maybe worth the investment.
It will be worth it
Daryl
Quote from: squirtthecat on August 08, 2011, 06:07:12 AM
You can freeze them and use as needed... No problems there.
I would go with the skin off, unless it is going to significantly increase the price.
Ditto!
I freeze them all the time. Go with the skinless unless your sure your going to make pork rinds with them.
Like whats already been said they keep in the freezer just fine and they thaw fairly quick.
I would go skinless, they suck to skin and I skin allot of deer each year much faster. ;D
What should I expect to pay for a 50mpound box of skinless bellies?
Quote from: DADAKOTA on August 08, 2011, 06:42:39 PM
What should I expect to pay for a 50mpound box of skinless bellies?
Watch the markets they go up and down like gas.
Am I ;ooking at $2 a pound or $3? I have no idea what is even in the ballpark.
got bellies Saturday payed 2.19lb
seemore
Dadakota, would you share where you found the pork bellies? i have been wanting to try my hand at them.
Old Smokey
Got htem here in ohio for 2.40 a lb. buy one or more. Thats skinned too. Not sure where you all are located. Wish it was included in posts.
Last time I bought two belly's I paid 2.19/lb. skinned and I'm in northern Ontario Canada. I get that price from a butcher. I talked to a farmer who raises pigs just down the road from me and he was a lot higher.
The farmer down the road from me. His price list. Belly's are not even on it but you can see he is up there in price.
http://www.sandyacresfarm.net/3.html