Berkshire Pork
Editor’s Note: Pork should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F to avoid any risk of food-borne illness.
The Other, Other White Meat. Berkshire Pork is a special treat. Berkshire is a breed of hog. Today’s roast comes from the Eden Farms located in Iowa. They are a cooperative of 25 small farms. These hogs are raised in a healthy, environmentally friendly way. The hogs are raised outdoors and are allowed to roam. They receive no hormones or growth promoting antibiotics. The meat is distinctive because it is richer and has a darker color. Today’s roast is called Kurobuta. This is Japanese for ‘black pork’. I was able to order this roast through Preferred Meats.
I am only prepping the pork roast with coarse salt and freshly ground pepper. It will be accompanied by some Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli. They will be dressed with some Olive Pesto. These were both procured by the “Sonoma Olive Co”. I had to throw in some Asparagus. You know I had to. I am cooking the roast in one of my favorite Barbeques. It was made by the ‘New Brauenfels’ Co. They are no longer in business as far as I know. This smoker is heavy duty. I use it for important cuts of meat. It is basically an oven. I can control the temperature with a side vent.
I trimmed some of the ‘Fat Cap’, off of the roast. I originally thought the fat was a little excessive for such an expensive cut of pork. I stuck the excess in a pan and fried it up for Mojo & Oscar. Oh! you lucky boys! Next time I will save it for sausage. The smell of the fat frying was like heaven. Is that sick? Well maybe. I just had my cholesterol checked, and I am one of the lucky ones.
I guess it is all due to the Fava Beans and Life with Ms. Goofy!!!! How did it taste you might ask? It was ‘’Pork Nirvana”!!! The raviolis and asparagus just added to the bliss.




Hey Editor, I think your comment is a little outdated. That is a government recommendation that was true 20 years ago. If you cook pork that high you are risking getting a baseball mitt.