Pork Bellies

DADAKOTA · August 08, 2011, 05:36:42 AM

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?

squirtthecat · 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.

DTJ · August 08, 2011, 06:37:22 AM

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

KyNola · August 08, 2011, 07:08:27 AM

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!

Tenpoint5 · August 08, 2011, 08:42:26 AM

I freeze them all the time. Go with the skinless unless your sure your going to make pork rinds with them.

OU812 · August 08, 2011, 11:08:30 AM

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

DADAKOTA · August 08, 2011, 06:42:39 PM

What should I expect to pay for a 50mpound box of skinless bellies?

OU812 · August 09, 2011, 06:17:59 AM

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.

DADAKOTA · August 09, 2011, 06:39:02 PM

Am I ;ooking at $2 a pound or $3? I have no idea what is even in the ballpark.

seemore · August 09, 2011, 08:25:22 PM

got bellies Saturday payed 2.19lb
seemore

Old Smokey · August 28, 2011, 02:46:42 PM

Dadakota, would you share where you found the pork bellies? i have been wanting to try my hand at them.
Old Smokey

viper125 · August 28, 2011, 03:05:33 PM

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.

devo · August 28, 2011, 03:25:15 PM

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

Pork Bellies

squirtthecat

devo