Pork, Ham and Bacon

More food products are derived from the pig than from any other animal; they include pork, ham, bacon and an endless variety of fresh and cured sausages, and smoked or cured pieces of meat and fat. Almost every bit of the pig is edible, and it is the only animal whose skin we eat.

Pigs have been bred leaner and leaner over the years, and, although the meat is generally quite tender, it is very important to cook it in a way that doesn’t lose moisture, such as in stews, casseroles, pies or pot roasts. When you roast or grill it you should cook it gently and rather slowly, basting often – slightly sweet liquids such as cider are good for basting, and beer is also excellent.