Virginians and people in the South eat almost every part of a pig

PigPhoto byPig Screenshot

I am a native of Virginia. I grew up eating almost every part of the pig. When my family killed a hog, no part of it was thrown away. Every part of a pig is edible, including the outer parts shown in the photo above and some inner parts not shown.

Unlike other animals, all pig parts are edible and not harmful to eat. That's why you see whole, roasted pigs offered at feasts and celebrations. Pork is the second-most consumed meat in America, behind beef. However, some people are selective about the part of a pig they will eat.

Head and and surrounding parts of a pig

The pig's head can be used to make brawns, stocks, and soups. The ears have become a common dish nationwide, serving as an appetizer, bar snack, or entree. The sweet, rich meat may be fried, boiled, or in a sandwich.

The cheeks can be cured and smoked to make jowls. The tongue can also be eaten.

Parts of a PigPhoto byPublic Domain/Wikipedia Screenshot

Shoulders

Above the front limbs and behind the head is the shoulder blade. It can be boned and rolled up as a roasting joint or cured as "collar bacon." Pork butt, despite its name, is from the upper part of the shoulder.

BaconPhoto byWright Brand BacononUnsplash

The arm shoulder can be cured on the bone to make a ham-like product or be used in sausages. Pork chops and bacon come from the neck and shoulder areas.

Loins

The loin can be cured to make back bacon or Canadian-style bacon. The loin and belly can be cured to make loin a side of bacon, pork chops, and pork tenderloin.

Pork ChopsPhoto byJunior REISonUnsplash

Fatback

The subcutaneous fat and skin on the back (fatback) are used to make pork rinds, various cured meats, lardons, and lard.

FatbackPhoto byYouTube Screenshot

Fatbacks, also known as meat skins, are crunchy and delicious snacks. They used to be at the buffet bar at Golden Corral.

Spareribs

Spare ribs are taken from the pig's ribs and the meat surrounding the bones. Spareribs are very fatty and commonly barbecued.

Barbecue SpareribsPhoto byAlexandru-Bogdan GhitaonUnsplash

Belly

Pork belly is the fatty cut of meat from a pig’s midsection, often used for bacon. The thick end of the belly can make prime bacon, and the thin end can make streaky bacon. The belly can be used for steaks or diced as stir-fried meat.

Hog maw

Hog MawPhoto byWikipedia Public Domain

Hog maw is the exterior muscular wall of the stomach. It can be prepared as food in various ways, including stewed, fried, baked, and broiled. Some people pair hog maw with chitterlings. Both of them are delicious with vinegar on them.

Back legs

Although any cut of pork can be cured, only the back leg is entitled to be called a ham. The back legs are used for joints of prime roast pork.

HamPhoto byKaroGraphix PhotographyonUnsplash

Ham hocks

The joint between the feet and the leg, known as ham hock or pork knuckles, is used to season collard greens, kale, spinach, and soups. They are so meaty that they can be eaten as a meal.

Ham HockPhoto byRainer Zenz/Wikipedia Screenshot

The hand also known as the hock (basically the front legs) can be cut up for sausage.

Trotters

Both the front and hind trotters are known as "pig feet" in the Southern United States.

Pigs FeetPhoto byPigs Feet/YouTube Screenshot

Pigs' feet have long been a common dish in some parts of the Southern United States. Pickled pigs’ feet are a regular treat in the South.

Tail

The tail has very little meat as it is mainly composed of connective tissue. It can be roasted or fried, which makes the skin crisp and the bone soft. It has a strong flavor. Fried pigtails make a tasty bar treat.

Chitterlings

Internal organs such as intestines (chitterlings), liver, and the male reproductive organs are often boiled and eaten.

ChitterlingsPhoto byPublic Domain/Wikipedia Screenshot

The bottom line

As you have read, all parts of the pig can be eaten. However, many parts are not eaten by people who have never tried them. Most Southerners grew up eating all or most of the parts listed above.