I just read about how pork exports to China have increased. This is due to the effects of Swine fever on Chinese pork supplies. This is good for U.S. pork producers, but it’s not the whole story. The rest of the story is a lot more fun.

It seems that a large amount of the pork exported to China is what they call “non-traditional” cuts…things like ears, snouts, brains, and intestines. Although these parts may make us Americans wrinkle our noses, people China love them.

For instance, the snout. After cleaning out those cute little noses, they can be boiled or braised till they’re not so tough, then sliced thin and fried. They are such a popular snack that you can find them in vacuum packed packages in convenience stores just like potato chips.  

Pig’s feet, also known as trotters and knuckles, are popular restaurant dishes. They are often braised and served with soy or ginger sauce. Now this isn’t so different from here at home, as pickled pig’s feet have been around forever.  But you don’t usually find them in fancy restaurants.

The pig’s ear, like the snout, is often sliced thinly and fried to make a great appetizer, although people often complain that they are so tough they are hard to eat. That’s why here in America, more often we use them for dog treats. Dogs love them!

Pig brains are not just eaten, they’re considered a delicacy. They’re barbecued or used in spicy “hot pot”, and they’re a mainstay in Szechuan cooking.

And don’t forget the blood! In China, slabs of congealed pig’s blood is cut into cubes and used like tofu in soup.  

Okay, so maybe that all sounds a little weird, but many people in the world (and some here in America) love eating all these pig parts. But no matter what you would or wouldn’t eat, the fact that pork exports are increasing is a good thing for our hog farmers!

And one thing that is the same nearly around the world. Even though China loves its pork and eats everything from the snout to the tail, pigs themselves are often thought of as lazy, greedy, dirty and stupid, and if you really want to insult someone you call them a pig head.

On the other hand, if you love your pork chops and ribs but have absolutely no desire to chew on pigs’ ears or snouts, you’re not pig-headed, you’re just proud to be an American!