Hog as Food: What Does It Taste Like & How to Cook It to Perfection

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  May 28, 2022

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The domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus or Sus domesticus), often called swine or hog, is a large, even-toed ungulate; it is variously considered a subspecies of the wild boar, or a distinct species. Its head-plus-body-length ranges from 0.9 to 1.8 m (35 to 71 in), and the adult can weigh between 50 to 350 kg (110 to 770 lb). Compared to other artiodactyls, its head is relatively long, pointed, and free of warts.

Hog as food is a delicious alternative to pork, with a unique flavor. Plus, it’s surprisingly healthy.

In this guide, I’ll provide all the information you need to know about cooking and enjoying hog meat.

What is a hog

What’s the Deal with Hogs?

A hog is a domesticated pig that is raised for food. It is a highly versatile choice for food, consisting of rich carbohydrates and fat. The majority of hogs are male, known as boars, and they require a specific diet to stay healthy. Hogs are composed of a primary material that consists of a dry channel that runs through the center of the animal. This material is needed to help regulate the hog’s body temperature and remove waste.

Habitats and Areas

Hogs are known to occupy a diverse array of habitats, ranging from heavily forested areas to open swamps. They are frequently found in mixed forests, oak groves, and mountainous ridges. During the winter months, hogs will often seek shelter underground or in brush-covered areas. They require access to drinking water and frequently wallow in mud to regulate their body temperature and remove parasites.

Wild Boars

Wild boars are the primary ancestor of domesticated hogs. They occur naturally in a variety of habitats, including boreal and taiga forests, alpine regions, and the Caucasus and Central Asia. Wild boars are highly adaptable and can survive in areas with little cover or food. They are known to eat a variety of items, including plant material, wildlife, and even underground items.

Favored Habitat

In Europe, wild boars are favored in deciduous forests, especially those with beech trees. These forests offer the perfect enclosing cover for the boars and provide a diverse array of food sources. They also favor marshes and other wetland areas, where they can find water and food.

What’s the Taste of Hog Meat?

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Hog and pig are pretty close relatives, and their taste is also similar. However, there are some differences in taste between the two. Hog meat is typically richer, darker, and juicier than pig meat. It appears that the iron content in hog meat is higher than in pig meat, which gives it a deeper color and a distinct taste.

The Taste of Wild Boar

Wild boar meat tastes like a cross between pork and beef, with a unique juicy succulence. The meat is a bit darker, perhaps due to the healthy iron content. With a rich and nutty flavor, wild boar offers something unique. You will definitely want to pair your boar with a red wine of your choice.

The Nutritional Value of Hog Meat

Hog meat is packed with protein, and it’s a natural source of iron. However, it’s also high in saturated fat and cholesterol. The nutritional value of hog meat depends on the part of the hog it comes from. Here’s a list of the different parts of the hog and what they produce:

  • Shoulder: pretty standard, not significantly different from other parts of the hog
  • Loin: considered the highest quality meat, pretty similar to pork
  • Ham: typically lower in fat than other parts of the hog
  • Belly: also known as bacon, high in fat and flavor

The Taste of Domesticated Pigs vs. Wild Boars

Domesticated pigs are typically raised in fenced areas and kept on a diet of grains and other feed. Wild boars, on the other hand, roam freely and consume nuts, yuca, and other natural foods. This difference in diet can affect the taste of the meat. Wild boar meat is gaining popularity as a gamey alternative to venison and ostrich.

Comparing the Nutritional Value of Hog Meat and Wild Boar Meat

Wild boar meat is often attributed to having a gamey taste, but it’s also more nutritious than hog meat. Wild boar meat has twice the amount of iron as hog meat, and it’s lower in saturated fat and higher in unsaturated fat.

The Art of Hog Cooking

Roasting a hog is a classic way to cook it. It involves cooking the hog in an oven or over an open flame. The result is a crispy skin and juicy meat. Here are some tips for roasting a hog:

  • Season the hog with your favorite spices and herbs.
  • Cook the hog at a low temperature for several hours to ensure the meat is cooked through.
  • Baste the hog with a mixture of butter and herbs to keep it moist.

Grilling

Grilling a hog is a great way to cook it outdoors. It involves cooking the hog over an open flame. The result is a smoky flavor and crispy skin. Here are some tips for grilling a hog:

  • Season the hog with your favorite spices and herbs.
  • Cook the hog over indirect heat to ensure the meat is cooked through.
  • Baste the hog with a mixture of barbecue sauce and beer to keep it moist.

Smoking

Smoking a hog is a slow-cooking method that involves cooking the hog over low heat for several hours. The result is a smoky flavor and tender meat. Here are some tips for smoking a hog:

  • Season the hog with a dry rub of your favorite spices and herbs.
  • Cook the hog over low heat for several hours to ensure the meat is cooked through.
  • Baste the hog with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and honey to keep it moist.

Braising

Braising a hog involves cooking it in a liquid over low heat for several hours. The result is a tender and flavorful meat. Here are some tips for braising a hog:

  • Season the hog with your favorite spices and herbs.
  • Brown the hog in a pan before adding it to the liquid.
  • Cook the hog over low heat for several hours to ensure the meat is cooked through.

Frying

Frying a hog involves cooking it in hot oil until it is crispy and golden brown. The result is a crunchy exterior and juicy meat. Here are some tips for frying a hog:

  • Season the hog with your favorite spices and herbs.
  • Cut the hog into smaller pieces to ensure it cooks evenly.
  • Fry the hog in hot oil until it is crispy and golden brown.

Boiling

Boiling a hog involves cooking it in a pot of boiling water. The result is a tender and flavorful meat. Here are some tips for boiling a hog:

  • Season the hog with your favorite spices and herbs.
  • Add vegetables and herbs to the pot to add flavor.
  • Cook the hog over low heat for several hours to ensure the meat is cooked through.

Sautéing

Sautéing a hog involves cooking it in a pan with a small amount of oil. The result is a crispy exterior and juicy meat. Here are some tips for sautéing a hog:

  • Season the hog with your favorite spices and herbs.
  • Cut the hog into smaller pieces to ensure it cooks evenly.
  • Sauté the hog in a pan with a small amount of oil until it is crispy and golden brown.

Barbecuing

Barbecuing a hog involves cooking it over low heat for several hours. The result is a smoky flavor and tender meat. Here are some tips for barbecuing a hog:

  • Season the hog with your favorite spices and herbs.
  • Cook the hog over low heat for several hours to ensure the meat is cooked through.
  • Baste the hog with a mixture of barbecue sauce and beer to keep it moist.

Slow-Cooking

Slow-cooking a hog involves cooking it over low heat for several hours. The result is a tender and flavorful meat. Here are some tips for slow-cooking a hog:

  • Season the hog with your favorite spices and herbs.
  • Cook the hog over low heat for several hours to ensure the meat is cooked through.
  • Add vegetables and herbs to the pot to add flavor.

Stewing

Stewing a hog involves cooking it in a pot with a liquid for several hours. The result is a tender and flavorful meat. Here are some tips for stewing a hog:

  • Season the hog with your favorite spices and herbs.
  • Add vegetables and herbs to the pot to add flavor.
  • Cook the hog over low heat for several hours to ensure the meat is cooked through.

Microwaving

Microwaving a hog is not a common cooking method, but it can be done in a pinch. Here are some tips for microwaving a hog:

  • Season the hog with your favorite spices and herbs.
  • Cut the hog into smaller pieces to ensure it cooks evenly.
  • Microwave the hog on high for several minutes until it is cooked through.

The Great Debate: Hog vs Pig

When it comes to the debate of hog vs pig, the first thing to consider is whether we are talking about domesticated or wild swine. Pigs are typically domesticated animals that are raised for their meat, while hogs are often used to refer to wild or feral swine. However, the term hog is also used to describe domesticated swine that weigh more than 120 pounds.

Subspecies and Location

Another factor to consider is the subspecies and location of the animal. In North America, the term hog is often used to refer to feral swine, which are a mix of domesticated pigs and wild boars. In other parts of the world, the term hog may be used to refer to a specific subspecies of swine. Pigs, on the other hand, are typically a specific subspecies of domesticated swine.

Mothering and Gestation Period

When it comes to mothering and gestation period, there are some similarities between hogs and pigs. Both sows (female pigs) have a gestation period of around three months and typically give birth to litters of around 10 piglets. However, hogs are known for being more independent and less nurturing than pigs, which can make them more difficult to raise.

Wallowing and Weighing

One thing that hogs and pigs have in common is their love of wallowing in mud. This behavior helps to regulate their body temperature and keep them cool in hot weather. When it comes to weighing, hogs are typically larger than pigs due to their wild or feral nature. However, there is some overlap in weight between the two, and the term hog can also be used to describe domesticated swine that weigh more than 120 pounds.

Hog vs Wild Boar: The Meaty Difference

The domesticated hog, also known as the pig, is a species that has been bred for meat production for thousands of years. Its wild ancestor is the wild boar, which is still found in many parts of the world today. The wild boar is a much leaner animal than the domesticated hog, and its meat is darker and richer in flavor.

The Difference in Meat

The meat of the wild boar is often described as gamey, with a stronger flavor than that of the domesticated hog. This is due to the fact that wild boars are free to roam and eat a varied diet, which includes nuts, berries, and other vegetation. The meat of the domesticated hog, on the other hand, is milder in flavor and tends to be more tender and juicy due to the animal’s controlled diet.

The Evidence of Human Association with Wild Boars

There is evidence that humans have been hunting and eating wild boars for thousands of years. In fact, wild boars were depicted in cave paintings in Europe dating back to the Ice Age. Many cultures around the world still consider wild boar meat a delicacy, and it is often served at special occasions and celebrations.

Cooking Methods

Due to the leaner nature of wild boar meat, it is important to cook it properly to avoid it becoming tough and dry. Some popular cooking methods for wild boar include:

  • Slow roasting
  • Braising
  • Smoking
  • Grilling

The Association with Different Cultures

Wild boar meat is a popular ingredient in many different cuisines around the world. Some examples include:

  • Italian cuisine: Wild boar is often used in pasta dishes and stews.
  • German cuisine: Wild boar is a popular ingredient in sausages and other charcuterie.
  • Asian cuisine: Wild boar is used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries and curries.

Conclusion

So, that’s why hog is such a versatile choice of food, and you can use this knowledge to make a delicious meal. Hogs are raised for food in many countries, and pigs are close relatives of boars, so the taste is pretty similar. 

You can use this guide to help you make the right choice when it comes to hog as food.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Lakeside Smokers is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with BBQ Smoking (& Japanese food!) at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.