How do I know when pork has been properly cooked?
Pork should be juicy and tender, with a slight blush of pink in the center after cooking. Your meat thermometer should read 160°F.
Is it true that pork is leaner today than it used to be?
Yes. Traditional cuts of pork have nearly one-third less fat than they did 20 years ago. Smithfield Lean Generation Pork is the leanest available on the market today, and it is in many cases even leaner than chicken breast. In fact, it is the first fresh pork to have select cuts certified by the American Heart Association for low cholesterol, sodium, and fat content.
Does Smithfield Lean Generation Pork take the same amount of time to cook as traditional pork?
Because of its low fat content, Lean Generation actually cooks 15 to 20 percent faster. That makes it an ideal choice for today's busy consumers.
What e-mail address should consumers use for product-related questions?
Consumers can send questions about our products to the following addresses:
What are the best methods for cooking pork?
That depends upon the cut you're cooking. We recommend the following:
Grilling for both small cuts cooked over direct heat and large pork cuts cooked with indirect heat;
Broiling for small cuts such as chops, kabobs, and pork patties;
Sautéing for small pork cuts such as chops, cutlets, and strips;
Panbroiling for chops, tenderloin medallions, ham slices, bacon, and ground pork patties;
Roasting for large pork cuts such as loin roasts, shoulder roasts, ham, and leg roasts;
Stewing for smaller pieces of less-tender cuts, such as shoulder cubes; and
Braising for large or small—but traditionally less tender—cuts.
How do I know how much pork to purchase?
The average serving size for pork is three ounces of cooked meat. Start with four ounces of boneless, raw pork to yield three ounces of cooked pork. A three-ounce serving is about the size of a deck of cards.
How do I select the right cut?
Pork is delicious in any style. If time is limited, you'll want to select a smaller cut, like pork chops that cook quickly. If you're entertaining and have several other dishes to prepare, you may want to choose a roast that can be put in the oven and requires very little attention.
What's the best way to store pork before cooking?
You can store uncooked fresh pork tightly wrapped in butcher paper in the refrigerator (40 degrees F or below) and can be frozen (0 degrees F) for up to four or five days. Uncooked pork can be frozen for up to six months.
What steps can I take to ensure food safety while preparing meat?
Keep your cooking area clean; wash your hands with hot soapy
water before and after handling any meat products; thoroughly wash
all utensils, containers, cutting boards, and work surfaces;
use separate serving plates for carrying raw and cooked foods;
and do not reuse leftover marinades.
