Pork Spleen

From a pig's spleen to your dinner plate: Exploring the journey of pork spleen

At some point, most of us have eaten a dish of pork spleen. Fried and served in a variety of dishes, pork spleen can be found in many restaurants around the world. But have you ever stopped to think about how that piece of pork spleen ended up on your plate? From the actual harvesting of the spleen to the transport and preparation that went into creating that delightful plate of spleen, it is a journey you may have not been aware of. In this blog post, we will take a look at all the processes involved in bringing a pork spleen to a dinner plate.

The harvesting of pork spleen

A pork spleen, like all other slaughters of animals, starts at the farm. For pigs specifically, they are bred for their meat, with the fat content and muscle mass being prioritized. In terms of the spleen, it is an organ located near the stomach, and is classified as an internal organ. After slaughter, by either a sharp knife or a gun shot, the pig is hung up to bleed. The spleen is then usually located by hand, most often found tucked between the abdominal muscles. It is then cut free with a scalpel and removed from the abdomen.

Transportation and Processing

Once the spleen has been removed, it is then rinsed in cold water to remove any blood, salt and other debris that may be on the organ. After this, it is placed in a container and sent to what is known as the processing plant. Depending on the regulations of the country you are in, the spleen may have to be tested for diseases or flaws by professionals before it proceeds further.

At the processing plant, the spleen is cut into sections and then placed in a large machine that separates the meat from any fat, skin, or other organ tissue. For example, the blood vessels, connective tissues and ligaments that connect the organs. This is done in a cold room, with sterile tools and knives. Once these various pieces are separated out, the meat is then placed into a vacuum bag or container and sealed, ready for transport.

Transporting Pork Spleen

Once the pork spleen is packaged, it is then transported in a refrigerated truck to a distribution centre or to the restaurant itself. For the most part, pork spleen is transported as fresh products, although some countries may require them to be frozen and then defrosted before use. Since Pork Spleen contains high levels of moisture and protein, it needs to be kept cold at all times to prevent bacterial growth. As such, it is important that the truck is correctly equipped with an appropriate cooling system.

In some cases, especially across international borders, the pork spleen is also inspected by government agencies to ensure it is safe to consume. This typically involves a visual check of the product and a temperature reading. If all temperature regulations are met, then the truck is approved to proceed with its journey.

Preparing Pork Spleen

Once the pork spleen has arrived at the restaurant, it is then taken to the kitchen where it is prepared for cooking. Before cooking, however, the spleen must first be prepped. This includes cutting it into smaller pieces and slicing off any fat or connective tissue that may remain. It is also important to note that Pork Spleen contains many tough connective tissues, which need to be cooked through before being served. To do this, the spleen is boiled in salt water for at least an hour before being used in dishes. This helps to soften the connective tissues and make them easier to chew.

Cooking Pork Spleen

Once the Pork Spleen has been prepped and boiled, it is then ready to be cooked! Exactly how the spleen is cooked really depends on the recipe, but some popular preparations include stir-frying, deep-frying, and baking. In a traditional stir-fry, the Pork Spleen is added to a pan with vegetables, spices, and sauces, and then cooked until it is heated through and crisp. For deep-frying, the spleen is cut into cubes and then fried in oil until golden brown.

Finally, for baking, the spleen is typically marinated in sauces and spices and then put into the oven to cook. Once they have finished cooking, they are then typically served hot with sides of vegetables and rice.

Conclusion

Pork Spleen is a dish that is enjoyed by many all around the world. What you may not have realized, however, is all the processes involved in bringing a piece of Pork Spleen to your dinner plate. From the beginning harvesting of it to the final cooking process, it is a journey that touches many different steps. Knowing how your food travels from farm to plate can certainly help you appreciate the dish much more.