Are you considering purchasing a half or whole pig for your freezer, but feeling overwhelmed by the amount of meat you’ll receive?
One of the most common questions people have is how many pork chops they can expect to get from a pig. The answer varies depending on the size of the pig, the thickness of the chops, and whether they are bone-in or boneless.
In this article, we’ll break down the numbers and give you a better idea of what to expect when purchasing a pig for your freezer. Plus, we’ll explore some of the different cuts you can get from a pig and how to cook them to perfection.
So grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!
How Many Pork Chops In A Pig?
The number of pork chops you can get from a pig depends on several factors. On average, a pig has around 20 pork chops per side, but this can vary depending on the size of the pig and the thickness of the chops.
If you prefer bone-in chops, you can expect to get between 15 and 30 chops per side. Boneless chops will yield slightly more, as there is no bone to factor in. Thicker chops will also yield fewer per side than thinner ones.
For example, a half pig may yield around 32 pork chops that are 1 inch thick and center cut loin pork chops. However, thinner 3/4 inch pork chops would yield more from the same pig.
It’s important to note that there may be some natural variation in the number of pork chops you receive. Additionally, there may be an oddly sliced chop towards the end that is smaller and great for a child or sandwich.
Factors That Affect The Number Of Pork Chops In A Pig
Several factors can affect the number of pork chops you can get from a pig. One of the most significant factors is the size of the pig. Larger pigs will generally yield more pork chops than smaller pigs. The breed of the pig can also play a role, as some breeds are known to produce more meat than others.
Another factor that can affect the number of pork chops is the cutting method used by the butcher. Different cuts of meat may yield different amounts of pork chops, depending on how they are sliced. For example, a butcher may choose to cut thicker or thinner chops, which will affect the total number of chops produced.
The location of the pig’s muscle can also impact the number of pork chops. Certain muscles, such as those found in the loin and rib area, are known to produce more chops than others. Additionally, the amount of fat on the pig can also impact the number of chops produced.
Finally, it’s important to note that the quality of the pig’s meat can also impact the number of pork chops produced. Factors such as genetics, preslaughter handling, and diet can all play a role in determining the quality and quantity of meat produced by a pig.
Understanding The Different Cuts Of Pork
To understand how many pork chops you can get from a pig, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the different cuts of pork. The pig is divided into four main primal cuts, which are the shoulder, loin, side/belly, and leg. These primal cuts are then further divided into sub-primal cuts, such as rib roast, tenderloin, pork belly, and bacon.
The shoulder primal cut is a versatile cut that can be minced or diced for slow-cooking in stews, or kept on the bone and slow-roasted until tender and falling apart. The top of the shoulder contains a fillet that is just tender enough to be cut into steaks for grilling or barbecuing.
The loin primal cut is exceptionally tender and lean, making it a popular choice for everything from breakfast to holiday feasts. The top section of the loin contains the pork chops that we all know and love. These can be bone-in or boneless and vary in thickness.
The side/belly primal cut is the fattiest portion of the hog and is used to make bacon, spare ribs, and pork belly. It can also be sliced into thinner pieces and used for stir-frying or grilling.
The leg primal cut includes the hind leg and rump of the hog. This section is where ham comes from and can also be used to make other cured meats like prosciutto.
It’s important to note that different countries may have different terminology and extent of each cut. In Spain, for example, there are at least 25 Iberian pork cuts, including jamón.
How To Properly Store And Freeze Pork
Once you have your pork chops, it’s important to know how to properly store and freeze them to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat.
When it comes to storing fresh pork, always keep it below 40°F in the fridge. Store uncooked pork items together and separate from cooked foods. Fresh pork can be refrigerated in its original wrapping in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to four or five days after purchase, while ground pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
If you don’t plan on cooking your pork within four days after purchase, it’s best to freeze it. To freeze cooked pork, remove the meat from the bones as soon as possible after cooking and wrap tightly using a freezer-proof wrap, bag, or container. Remove as much air as possible, seal tightly, and then freeze at 0°F or below. Store for up to three months.
It’s important to avoid using plastic grocery bags or garbage bags for storage, as these plastics are not food grade and could transfer chemicals to the meat. Instead, use freezer bags that are specifically designed for long-term storage. Make sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing the bag.
When freezing large quantities of meat, it’s best to package them in quantities that make sense for your needs. For instance, if you have a family of four who will usually eat one chop each, package two or four chops together. Ground product is commonly stored in 1- or 2-pound packages.
If you plan on transporting uncooked or cooked pork to another dining site, it should be placed in an insulated container or ice chest until ready to cook or eat. Cooked pork is at its best when refrigerated no longer than four days.
Delicious Pork Chop Recipes To Try At Home
Pork chops are a versatile and delicious protein that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are three mouth-watering pork chop recipes to try at home:
1. Sheet Pan Ranch Pork and Veggies: This recipe from Ree Drummond is easy and flavorful. Simply season bone-in pork chops with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper, then roast them on a sheet pan with potatoes, green beans, and cherry tomatoes. The result is a one-pan meal that is both hearty and healthy.
2. Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy: This classic comfort food dish is perfect for a cozy night in. Start by seasoning bone-in pork chops with salt and pepper, then sear them in a cast iron skillet. Make a quick mushroom gravy by sautéing mushrooms, onions, and garlic in butter, then adding flour, chicken broth, and cream. Pour the gravy over the pork chops and serve with mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
3. Apple-Mushroom Pork Chops: This sweet and savory recipe combines the flavors of apples and mushrooms for a delicious twist on traditional pork chops. Start by seasoning bone-in pork chops with salt and pepper, then sear them in a skillet. In the same skillet, sauté sliced apples and mushrooms until tender. Add chicken broth and Dijon mustard to the skillet, then return the pork chops to the pan and simmer until cooked through. Serve with steamed green beans for a complete meal.
No matter how you cook them, pork chops are a tasty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week.