Pork hind shank
Description
Pork hock is a juicy, meaty piece with a bone, featuring a dark pink color of meat and a distinct layer of fat, along with a rich, gelatinous texture after long cooking. The flavor is deep, meaty, and slightly sweet, perfectly complementing spicy seasonings, beer, and mustard. It is typically used for braising, slow roasting at low temperatures, slow cooking for broths and stews, and preparing aspic. Nutritionally, pork hock provides protein, collagen, B vitamins, iron, and zinc, which support tissue regeneration and joint health, but it is also high in saturated fats, so it should be consumed in moderation. Store raw in the refrigerator for 1–2 days or freeze for up to 6 months; cooked, it can be kept for 3–4 days in an airtight container and thawed in the refrigerator.