Pig roast

A pig roast is an event or gathering which involves the barbecuing of a whole hog (the castrated male pig or boar, bred for consumption at about 12 months old). Pig roasts in the American South are often referred to as a Pig pickin', although roasts are a common occurrence in Cuba [ [http://www.tasteofcuba.com/pig-roasting-grill.html Cuban Pig Roasting Box] ] [ [http://www.geocities.com/NapaValley/4192/fathers.html How To Roast a Pig the Cuban Way] ] as well as the American state of Hawaii [ [http://www.globalgourmet.com/food/egg/egg0596/pigout.html Pig Out! Mainland Luau] ] , with roasts being done in the mainland states by descendents of either area.

Pig Roast Traditions

Many families traditionally have a pig roast for Thanksgiving or Christmas, in Miami pig roasts are often held on Christmas Eve by Cuban families [ [http://www.tasteofcuba.com/cuban_joke.html Cuban Christmas Traditions] ] [ [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A04E7D61F30F931A15751C1A96F958260 In Miami, Christmas Eve Means Roast Pig] ] whereas families from Hawaii often hold a roast on memorial day [ [http://www.globalgourmet.com/food/egg/egg0596/pigout.html Pig Out! Mainland Luau] ] .

In Puerto Rico, pig roasts occur year round, but happen in greater frequency as part of New Years Eve celebrations [ [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/04/dining/04lech.html Party With Pig: In Puerto Rico, a Glorious Feast] ] . In the Philippine Islands, the roasted pig is referred to as "Lechon baboy." It is traditionally prepared for Christmas celebrations, but is also commonplace at birthday parties, weddings and family reunions. [ [http://letsgotophilippines.blogspot.com/2007/09/menu-lechon-baboy-roast-pig.html Menu: Lechon Baboy (Roast Pig)] ]

Cooking

A hog/pig, often around 80-120 pounds dressed weight, is split in half and spread onto a large charcoal or propane [ [http://www.newportpigcooking.com/faqs.htm Newport, NC Pig Cooking Contest Q and A] ] grill. The style of grills used are as varied as the methods of producing them, some being homemade while others are custom made.

In a Hawaii-style pig roast, a large pit is typically dug into the ground and lined with banana leaves, as lava rocks are heated over an open flame until they are very hot. The heated rocks are placed into the pit, and a seasoned pig is placed inside and covered with additional banana leaves, which serve as insulation and for flavor [ [http://www.ikonaedizioni.com/2007/11/02/traditional-kalua-pig-cooking-in-hawaii/ Traditional Kalua Pig Cooking in Hawaii] ] .

In an American Cuban-style pig roast, a roasting box is commonly fashioned above ground out of concrete blocks and steel mesh [ [http://cuban-christmas.com/pigroast.html The Best Way to Roast a Pig] ] . Another popular method is to use a pig roasting box, commonly referred to as a "Caja China." [ [http://www.seriouseats.com/required_eating/2008/05/la-caja-china-box-pig-roast.html The La Caja China Box, In Cake and Real-Life Form] ] The cooking process is communal and usually done by men; the host is helped by friends or family. It usually takes four to eight hours to cook the pig completely [ [http://cuban-christmas.com/pigroast.html The Best Way to Roast a Pig] ] [ [http://www.ikonaedizioni.com/2007/11/02/traditional-kalua-pig-cooking-in-hawaii/ Traditional Kalua Pig Cooking in Hawaii] ] ; the pig is often started "meat-side" down, and then is flipped one time once the hog has stopped dripping rendered fat. When the cooking is complete, the meat should ideally be tender to the point of falling off of the bone. The meat is then either chopped or pulled or is picked off the roasted pig by the guests.

In the Philippines, the pig is typically stuffed with spices, placed on a bamboo spit, and roasted over hot coals. [ [http://www.bbq-book.com/news2006/html/may_2006.html BBQ - Philippine Style] ]

References