Kurobuta Pork

[ramze12]

I came across a friend who was telling me about Kurobuta Pork Shoulder he order online. Has anyone ever tired this type of Pork?

He mentioned to me that it was nearly 18 lbs when he received it.

It seemed fairly $$$ but if I was to go ahead and try this, how much smoke time would any of you recommend for a piece this big?

[squirtthecat]

I think Kurobuta is to pork what Kobe is to beef...

Pricey, but a delicacy.

[classicrockgriller]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkshire_(pig)

http://www.snakeriverfarms.com/kurobuta

[waterkc]

Holly Cripe that is some expensive stuff. I tell ya you put them side to side with the same type cooking bet you can't tell the difference. I was always under the impression that smoking meat was to make some what lacking meat edible. Yes\No? Low and slow to get the connective tissue to break down, release etc. Anyways, man that is some way pricey pig. Let us know how it turns out.

[deb415611]

Holly Cripe that is some expensive stuff. I tell ya you put them side to side with the same type cooking bet you can't tell the difference.

You can definately tell the difference.  I haven't tried the online farm but have bought local berkshire(same pig, different name).   Flavor is better, it's richer.    The best pork butt I have ever had.  Chops are really good too.  I have even had some sausage that they make.  That reminds me - I have a Berkshire butt in the freezer - might be a good smoke for July 4th. 

I think someone has ordered form snakeriverfarms - Ronbeaux maybe?   Arnie has had the same local berkshire that I have had. 

[BuyLowSellHigh]

STC has it dead on.  I tried both a couple of weeks ago and the difference in a pork butt was not as profound as the difference in Wagyu and CAB USDA Choice briskets.  If you intend to pull a pork butt, then I feel that Kurobuta is probably wasted.  I haven't tried it but I suspect the loin would show a greater difference.  For my taste, after having tried it, I wouldn't spend the extra for the pork shoulder, but I will for the brisket for special occasions (I expect to be doing a Wagyu brisket this coming weekend for the 4th, Alex permitting).

[waterkc]

all I can say is wow, that is some pricey meat.

[BuyLowSellHigh]

Kurobuta pork (aka Berkshire pork) You can order online from Snake River Farms here ; online price for a whole shoulder is ~ $2.90/lb plus shipping, which will be next day air (meaning expensive).  If you decide to do that, you might consider splitting the whole shoulder into a butt and picnic (which I am assuming is how the beast arrives at an average of 20 lbs/ea).

As an alternative, you might try to find a local meat supplier who carries a line of better meats who will sell to you. 

[hal4uk]

I ordered one.
W/Shipping it was $83 for a whole Berkshire pork shoulder.
(approximately 20lbs) ---- about $4/lb to my front door.

If it ain't worth it, I won't buy it again.  But, I just have to find out for myself.

Check the price/weight of CHEETOS at your local grocer,...
We'll see.  Maybe it's worth it, and maybe it ain't.  But, It's much cheaper than Cheetos.   ;D

Awrighten.

[classicrockgriller]

Wish you the best Hal.

I ain't paying $4 lb for pig.

I got my pride! ;D

[squirtthecat]

Cheaper Than Cheetos!  I love it...

Way way way cheaper than beef jerky, that's for sure.

[FLBentRider]

If I do one, and this does intrigue me, I would do it alongside a "regular" pork shoulder for comparison pruposes...

[SnellySmokesEm]

If I do one, and this does intrigue me, I would do it alongside a "regular" pork shoulder for comparison pruposes...

FLB - If you decide to smoke one I'm heading that way so I can put my 2 cents in....

[hal4uk]

Ordered it Wednesday, and it was on the porch this morning.  In the freezer for the time being...
(The heat index is 111 here right now)

[squirtthecat]

And he's a bigun!