Pulled Pork is a method of barbecuing where pork is cooked to a very tender consistency. It essentially involves cooking pork over a low smoky fire for a long time till it reaches a state where one can pull apart the meat with the hand. The shoulder cut of pork, or mixed cuts, at times referred to as the Boston Butt, is commonly used for pulled pork cooking. Although basically the name pulled pork is derived by the action of being able to pull the smoked pork with the hand, other forms such as the sliced, chopped and shredded are also often referred to as pulled pork.
History of Pulled Pork
Pulled Pork cooking has its roots in the Southern United States, where early settlers had brought pigs with them. They were the only animals that survived the weather conditions as cattle perished and hence their meat was the only variety of meat that was available for the settlers. Eventually the pulled pork cooking was invented.
Common Variants of the Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is used in different manifestations across the world. Popular variations include sauces, cuts, rubs, serving styles or toppings. Though the conservative definition implies pulling apart the pork with hand, it may also refer to the sliced, chopped or shredded versions.
Popular Ways of Consumption of Pulled Pork
Pulled Pork is popularly savored with a bun as a sandwich. The accompaniments vary across different regions. In Tennessee pulled pork is made with arm and blade shoulder meats and is served with a tomato condiment, whereas the North Carolinians have pulled pork made from both mixed cuts and shoulder cuts with a vinegary sauce or without any sauce. The Southern styled smoked pork is commonly referred to as pulled pork.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Pulled Pork
The tenderness of the meat is one factor that seems to have made the pulled pork and pulled pork recipes a favorite with many, though the long cooking time does not go favorably with many.