What’s tastier: front or back pork leg? Simple tips to tell them apart, never worry about buying the wrong one.

There are some differences in texture and flavor between the front leg and the hind leg. Choosing the right type will enhance the taste of your dish.

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Pork trotters are a familiar food to everyone. You can cook pork trotters into many dishes such as stew, braised, soup… When buying pork trotters, you should pay attention to distinguishing between front trotters and hind trotters. These two types will have a slightly different texture and flavor. Choosing the right type will make your dish more delicious.

Front trotters

When moving, pigs mainly use their front legs to exert force on the surrounding objects. Due to the predominant use of the front legs in movement, the hoof on the front leg of the pig is usually larger than the hoof on the hind leg. The meat on the front trotters will also be firmer and have more tendons. Front trotters are usually more flavorful and sweeter. Therefore, if you want to make stew, simulated pork, or boiled, you should choose front trotters. When cooked, trotters will be tender, well-seasoned, and tastier.

Hind trotters

The hind legs mainly support movement and help pigs maintain balance. The hind legs of the pig are less active, so the meat will not be as firm as the front legs. The meat on the hind trotters is usually loose, with more fat and not as sweet as the front trotters. Hind trotters can be used in stir-fries, minced meat dishes, porridge…

Distinguishing between front trotters and hind trotters

– Check the tendons

As mentioned earlier, the front legs of the pig usually have more tendons. The crispy and crunchy tendon part is the tastiest part of the trotters. If you want more tendons, you should choose front trotters. The main structure of the front trotters is muscle, tendons, and ligaments. The hind legs of the pig are less active, so the muscles, tendons, and ligaments are less developed.

When buying trotters, you should look at the cross-sectional surface of it. If you see tendons on the cross-sectional surface, it is the front trotters, and if you don’t see any tendons, it is the hind trotters.

– Observe the ratio of meat and fat

Front trotters will have more meat and less fat, making them fragrant and not greasy when cooked. The hind trotters have less movement, so the meat and muscle are less firm, and there is more fat mixed in. If you don’t like too much fat, you should choose front trotters.

Observe the cross-sectional surface of the trotters, if it looks plump, with a loose meat texture and more fat, it is the hind trotters. If there is more meat, firmer meat, then it is the front trotters.

Notes when buying pork trotters

Whether buying front trotters or hind trotters, you should pay attention to the following points.

Firstly, when touching the trotters, if you feel that the surface of the meat is moist, firm, and not sticky, it means that the pork trotters are fresh. If the meat feels sticky, it is not recommended to buy.

Pork trotters usually have a slightly yellowish color. Do not choose white trotters as they may have been treated with chemicals.

According to thoibaovhnt

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Frequently asked questions

The front pork leg, also known as the “ham”, comes from the pig’s hind leg and is generally more tender and lean. It is often used for ham products and is great for roasting. The back pork leg, or “picnic ham”, comes from the front leg and has a higher fat content, making it ideal for slow cooking and adding flavor to dishes.

Both parts have their unique qualities and uses. The front leg is more tender and lean, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a milder flavor and softer texture. The back leg, with its higher fat content, offers a richer, more intense flavor and is perfect for those who enjoy a juicy, fall-off-the-bone experience.

When purchasing a front pork leg, look for a leaner cut with a more uniform shape. The bone will be smaller and closer to the center. For the back leg, expect a larger, more irregular shape with a prominent bone and higher fat marbling.

For the front leg, roasting is a great option to showcase its tenderness. You can also try baking, grilling, or frying for delicious results. As for the back leg, slow cooking methods like braising or stewing will yield a mouthwatering, tender dish. Smoking or barbecuing it low and slow will also produce incredible flavors.

While both cuts come from the pig’s legs, they have distinct characteristics. It’s best to follow recipes designed for each cut to ensure optimal results. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with substituting one for the other, keeping in mind the differences in fat content and cooking times.