Sheet Pan

Smoked pork belly

It is the most commonly consumed meat worldwide, with evidence of pig husbandry dating back to 5000 BC. Pork is the most popular meat in the Western world and in Central Europe. Some religions and smoked pork belly prohibit pork consumption, notably Islam and Judaism.

Pigs were domesticated in Mesopotamia around 13,000 BC. Pig being prepared in France during the mid-19th century. Before the mass production and re-engineering of pigs in the 20th century, pork in Europe and North America was traditionally an autumn dish—pigs and other livestock coming to the slaughter in the autumn after growing in the spring and fattening during the summer. A traditional Austrian pork dish, served with potato croquettes, vegetables, mushrooms and gravy. Pork vindaloo, spicy pork curry from India.

As a result, large numbers of pork recipes are developed throughout the world. Jamón is the most famous Spanish inlay, which is made with the back legs of a pig. By 2017, half the world’s pork was consumed in China. Tonkatsu, Japanese breaded deep fried pork cutlet.

Pork is popular throughout eastern Asia and the Pacific, where whole roast pig is a popular item in Pacific Island cuisine. It is consumed in a great many ways and highly esteemed in Chinese cuisine. This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Pork may be cooked from fresh meat or cured over time. Cured meat products include ham and bacon.

The carcass may be used in many different ways for fresh meat cuts, with the popularity of certain cuts varying worldwide. Most of the pig can be used to produce fresh meat and, in the case of a suckling pig, the whole body of a young pig ranging in age from two to six weeks is roasted. Danish roast pork or flæskesteg, prepared with crispy crackling is a national favourite as the traditional Christmas dinner. Pork is particularly common as an ingredient in sausages. Many traditional European sausages are made with pork, including chorizo, fuet, Cumberland sausage and salami. Ham and bacon are popular foods in the west, and their consumption has increased with industrialisation.