Pork Belly vs Side Pork

Jimbo · July 13, 2007, 05:32:10 AM

Is there any difference in these two cuts of pork or are the one in the same? I am looking at trying to smoke some bacon.

Also, what is everyone paying per pound for pork belly?

Thank you.

HCT · July 13, 2007, 06:29:49 AM

I'm paying $1.99lb.

NePaSmoKer · July 13, 2007, 07:00:25 AM

here in NEPA pork belly is $3.99lb >:(

nepas

begolf25 · July 13, 2007, 07:10:34 AM

Quote from: NePaSmoKer on July 13, 2007, 07:00:25 AM
here in NEPA pork belly is $3.99lb >:(

nepas

Same here in southern PA. I went to my butcher the other day to get some things and asked about it because I want to try bacon. I didn't pick one up because I thought that sounded high. I guess it is the going rate up this way.

HCT · July 13, 2007, 07:30:37 AM

Wow, :o $3.99lb, and I thought $1.99 was high.

Habanero Smoker · July 13, 2007, 02:47:08 PM

To my knowledge they are the same. Side/belly is the section that is left after the spareribs are removed from the side of the hog.

The last time I bought a side/belly it cost me $1.67/lb. I'm getting ready to order two more slab, I hope the price is still the same.

Jimbo · July 13, 2007, 05:00:12 PM

Thanks for the replies guys. 1 local butcher/processor says they carry fresh side pork for $2.79 lb on Weds & Thurs, what isn't sold by Friday is cured and smoked for bacon onsite. They then sell the bacon for $3.29 lb.

The other butcher shop sells pork belly for $1.99 lb.

Gizmo · July 13, 2007, 09:05:44 PM

Jimbo,
I would have to "side" with Hab smoker on this from my experience with talking with the meat department. When I asked for pork belly, they asked if I wanted the whole side. SIDE? I want the belly, Right the side. I guess it can't be simple other wise the butt wouldn't be the shoulder right? Man hogs are just screwed up. No people are.

Habanero Smoker · July 14, 2007, 03:17:58 AM

Quote from: Jimbo on July 13, 2007, 05:00:12 PM
Thanks for the replies guys. 1 local butcher/processor says they carry fresh side pork for $2.79 lb on Weds & Thurs, what isn't sold by Friday is cured and smoked for bacon onsite. They then sell the bacon for $3.29 lb.

The other butcher shop sells pork belly for $1.99 lb.

The price difference may be do to the source the butcher gets his meat from. I get mine directly from a slaughter house, which raises and slaughter their own animals. So it cost a lot less then other places. All of their meat is USDA approved.