A pig has four trotters, with two front and two rear legs. Many people prefer the front trotters as the meat is sweeter and more tender, with plenty of crunchy tendons to chew on. However, when it comes to shopping for trotters, distinguishing between the front and rear legs can be tricky. So, to avoid any confusion, take a look at these tips on how to tell the difference between the two.
Observe the curvature
The front trotters of a pig bear more weight and thus appear more curved, while the rear trotters bear less weight and are generally straighter. This is because they have a supportive function, and so the rear trotters of a pig are typically less curved than the front ones. You should be able to spot this difference in an instant when buying pork trotters.
Examine the cross-section
In addition to noticing the curvature of the trotters, take a look at the cross-section of the meat. Front trotters have more tendons, while rear trotters lack prominent tendons.
When purchasing trotters, pick one up and examine the cross-section to see if you can spot a tendon as thick as a coin. If you do, it’s a front trotter; if not, it’s a rear one. However, this method may not always be accurate, as some sellers may remove the tendons from the front legs and sell them separately. So, it’s essential to consider other distinguishing factors as well.
Look for holes on the trotters
Examine the trotters for the presence of seven small holes. The presence of these holes indicates that it is a front trotter, as they are typically found at the joints of the pig’s front legs. It is believed that these holes form over time due to the curvature of the front legs, which causes the hair follicles to enlarge, allowing dirt and grime to accumulate and eventually form these small holes. These holes are usually only visible once the outer hair is cleaned and removed.
Good luck with your shopping!
