The Pig and His Parts

“Whenever you see hog-sties built in front of dwelling-houses, you may rely upon it, you are in the state of Pennsylvania.” 1 Despite the hearty greeting to the nose, the frontyard pig was indeed king of the Pennsylvania Dutch farm. Though the porker by the door is no longer a common symbol of our culture, pork has not retreated from its role as the primary meat of our cookery. Beef and venison are still the “noble” meats eaten seasonally or on special occasions. The pig, however, is the farmer’s larder, and every inch of the animal has its use.