Pick Pork

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cuts of pork are the leanest?
How much pork should I buy? How much is one serving?
To what temperature should I cook pork?
How do I use a meat thermometer?
Does pork have to be cooked to well done?
How long can I store pork?
How do I cook a ham?
Can I freeze ham?
How should I cook ribs?

Which cuts of pork are the leanest?
All trimmed pork cuts, with the exception of ribs, are lean. That is, they have 17% fat or less. The loin and the leg produce the leanest cuts of pork.

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How much pork should I buy? How much is one serving?
A serving of boneless pork is about the size of a deck of cards, about 3-4 ounces. You will get 3-4 servings per lb. (0.5kg). You’ll want to buy more when you choose cuts with some bone. For example, bone-in chops, pork butt steaks or roasts will yield 2-3 servings per lb. (0.5kg). Allow 1-2 servings per lb. (0.5kg) for ribs, which have a large proportion of bone.

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To what temperature should I cook pork?
Pork roasts are at their juiciest and most flavourful when they are cooked to an internal temperature of 160ºF (70ºC) as measured on a meat thermometer.

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How do I use a meat thermometer?
There are two kinds of meat thermometer – the standard type and the instant-read type. Both measure the internal temperature of the meat.

Standard (stays in the roast during cooking)
1. Insert the tip of the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast. The tip of the thermometer should not be resting in fat, stuffing or against bone.
2. Do not cover the pan.
3. Roast at 325ºF (160ºC) for most cuts.
4. Remove roast from oven when thermometer registers 155ºF (68ºC). Cover loosely and let stand 10 minutes before slicing. The temperature will rise to 160ºF (70ºC) while it stands.
Instant-Read (does not go into the oven)
1. To check internal temperature, remove roast from oven.
2. Insert the tip into the centre of the roast, as above, to test the temperature.
3. If temperature is below 155ºF (68ºC), return roast to oven and check a while later.
4. Remove roast from oven when internal temperature registers 155ºF (68ºC). Cover loosely and let stand 10 minutes before slicing. The temperature will rise to 160ºF(70ºC) while it stands.
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Does pork have to be cooked to well done?
Today’s pork is a lean, wholesome product. Because it is so lean, overcooking will yield a dry, tough result. Cooking pork to 160ºF (70ºC), or medium, will keep it juicy and tender. Ground pork and sausages, like all other ground meats, should always be cooked to well done.

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How long can I store pork?
Larger pieces, like roasts, steaks and chops can be stored for 2-4 days in the refrigerator (8-10 months in the freezer). Ground pork can be stored for 1-2 days in the refrigerator (1-3 months in the freezer). Leftover cooked pork will keep 4-5 days in the refrigerator (2-3 months in the freezer).

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How do I cook a ham?
Most of the hams available in grocery stores today are fully cooked. To enhance flavour and juiciness, the hams are usually baked for a short time, and often glazed, prior to serving. Whole hams, halves or quarters can be heated at 325ºF (160ºC) for 10 to 15 minutes per lb. (0.5kg). Ham steaks can be barbecued, grilled, panfried or broiled.

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Can I freeze ham?
It is not advisable to freeze ham. Ham which has been frozen will have moisture loss, resulting in a dry, often salty product.

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How should I cook ribs?
Method #1 – Moist/Dry Heat
Add water to ribs, almost to cover. Cover and simmer/steam 30 to 45 minutes; do not boil. Drain well. Finish on grill/barbecue, over medium-low heat, turning frequently and basting with sauce if desired.

Method#2 – Dry heat
Rub with your favourite spices if desired. Flavour will intensify the longer the ribs are left before cooking. (Refrigerate if leaving for longer than 30 minutes.) Grill over indirect heat, turning every 15 minutes for about 1-1 1/2 hours. If desired, brush with your favourite sauce during the last 15 minutes.

Method #3 – Oven
Simmer/steam ribs as above for 30 to 45 minutes OR bake in oven at 350ºF (180ºC) 45 to 60 minutes. Drain ribs. Transfer to roasting pan. Add your favourite sauce. Cover and bake an additional 60-90 minutes.

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