Our butchers tips

Saddleback Pork Butt, also known as Boston butt or pork shoulder

This particular cut comes from the upper part of the shoulder from the front leg and is celebrated for its marbling and generous fat content, which renders beautifully during cooking to create tender, tasty meat.

At Grid Iron Meat, our Saddleback Pork Butt is sourced from the finest native breed pigs reared on North Yorkshire farms. These pigs are raised in a natural, free-range environment, which contributes to the robust flavour and tender texture of the meat.

The pork butt cut is incredibly versatile and ideally suited for a range of cooking methods. It is particularly well-suited for slow roasting, smoking, or braising. The fat content not only enhances the flavour but also ensures the meat remains moist and tender even after long cooking periods.

Cooking a Saddleback Pork Butt slowly allows the tough fibres to break down, resulting in a dish that’s easy to pull apart and often used for pulled pork recipes. It’s a favourite for barbecue enthusiasts and home cooks alike, perfect for those hearty meals that bring comfort on any given day.

For the best results, seasoning simply with salt, pepper, and a few herbs can let the natural flavours of the meat shine through. Whether you’re planning a weekend barbecue or a comforting weekday dinner, Saddleback Pork Butt offers a taste of the countryside with every bite.

About the breed

Saddleback pork comes from the Saddleback breed, a native British pig renowned for its distinctive appearance and exceptional meat quality.

This breed features a predominantly black coat with a characteristic white ‘saddle’ band around its shoulders and front legs, hence the name. At Grid Iron Meat, we source our Saddleback pork from trusted North Yorkshire farms where the pigs are reared in natural, stress-free environments, allowing them to grow at a natural pace.

The meat from Saddleback pigs is highly prized for its texture and depth of taste. It strikes a perfect balance between fat and lean, with the fat rendering down during cooking to baste the meat from within, ensuring succulence and a rich, satisfying taste. The pork has a firm texture, making it versatile for various culinary uses, from roasting and grilling to slow-cooking.

Saddleback pork is not only delicious but also nutritious. It is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including thiamine, zinc, and B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12, which is vital for healthy nerve function and blood formation.

In the kitchen, Saddleback pork can transform any dish, offering a hearty and robust flavour that complements both simple seasonings and complex marinades. Whether you’re planning a Sunday roast with a beautifully caramelised crackling or slow-cooked pork belly that melts in the mouth, Saddleback pork provides a gourmet foundation for your meal.

For those interested in sustainable and ethically sourced meat, choosing Saddleback pork from Grid Iron Meat means supporting local farming practices and animal welfare, while indulging in some of the finest pork available.