Pork butt is a hugely popular cut of meat for pulled pork, barbecue, and other delicious recipes. But the name has always confused cooks – why do we call it pork “butt” when it doesn’t come from the rear end? As it turns out, the name pork butt has a long history behind it.
What Part of the Pig is Pork Butt?
First, let’s clear up the anatomy Pork butt, also known as Boston butt or Boston shoulder, comes from the upper part of the front leg/shoulder of the pig It contains part of the shoulder blade bone and is packed with collagen, which makes it perfect for slow cooking.
The pork butt is not actually the butt or rear end of the pig – that’s where ham comes from The pork butt is anatomically nowhere near the pig’s butt! So why the confusing name?
Where Does the Name “Pork Butt” Come From?
There are a few theories on the origin of the name “pork butt”
Theory 1: Pork packed in barrels
One of the most common explanations is that pork butt refers to pork that was packed into casks called “butts.” In Colonial New England, pork shoulder was a less valuable cut that butchers would pack into large barrels for storage and transportation. These pork-filled barrels were called butts, so the pork from them was referred to as “pork butt.”
This theory suggests the name refers to the packaging method and has nothing to do with pig anatomy. As pork shoulder grew popular for roasts and other dishes, the colorful name stuck.
Theory 2: Misinterpreted anatomy
Another theory claims earlier butchers thought the pork shoulder was part of the pig’s butt/rump. Supposedly they misidentified the anatomy and the wrong name stuck.
However, experienced butchers were unlikely to make this mistake. And there’s no evidence of this theory before modern times.
Theory 3: Old English word for thicker cuts
In Old English, the word “butt” referred to thicker, fattier pieces of meat from the wider “butt end” of certain cuts. This could explain why pork shoulder, being well-marbled with fat, came to be known as pork “butt.”
Similar to how the thicker end of a loaf of bread can be called the “butt end.” So perhaps the term “pork butt” originally described the meatier end of the pork shoulder.
When Did “Pork Butt” Become Common?
References to pork butt are relatively recent. There’s no evidence that New England butchers commonly packed pork into barrels called butts. And the term pork butt doesn’t appear in print until the late 19th century.
As the American pork industry grew, butchers began distinguishing between regional styles of cutting meat. New York shoulders, Boston butts, and other geographic names referred to the different ways of preparing pork shoulder.
By the early 1900s, “Boston butt” was established industry terminology for the upper part of pork shoulder. The name likely originated from regional butchering practices, not anatomical confusion. Over time, “Boston” was dropped, leaving us with the beloved pork butt we know today.
Why Do We Still Call It Pork Butt?
While the origins are murky, one thing is clear – the pork shoulder we use for pulled pork and other dishes has gone by pork butt for over a century. The terminology has stuck around because:
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Tradition – Old habits die hard. After 100+ years, pork butt is ingrained in barbecue culture and recipes. Changing it now would confuse longtime cooks.
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Memorable name – Pork butt is colorful and gets people’s attention. A more anatomically correct name like “pork shoulder” just isn’t as fun.
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Distinguishes cuts – The pork butt is distinct from the lower picnic shoulder, so the unique name avoids confusion between the two.
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Legal definitions – U.S. regulatory standards recognize pork butt as a specific cut, making it difficult to formally change the name.
So while it may sound silly, the pork butt is here to stay. When you sit down to a perfect pulled pork sandwich, you can appreciate the long history behind the quirky name. Just don’t spend too much time thinking about pig butts!
How to Cook Delicious Pork Butt
Confusion about the name won’t stop your pork butt from being absolutely delicious! Here are some tips:
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Choose a bone-in or boneless pork butt, around 6-8 pounds. Leave the fat intact for moist meat.
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Rub the pork all over with your favorite spice blend. Classic barbecue rubs include brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic, and cayenne.
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Slow cook the pork for optimal tenderness. Smoke low and slow over indirect heat (225-250°F) for 8-12 hours. Or braise in the oven at 300°F for 4-6 hours.
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Monitor temperature, not time. Cook until the pork butt reaches 195-205°F internally. This will make the meat fall-apart tender.
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Let the pork rest before pulling/shredding with forks or your fingers. The juices will redistribute for juicy pulled pork.
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Use the flavorful pork butt for sandwiches, tacos, mac and cheese, nachos, pizza, beans, omelets, and more!
Don’t let the odd name fool you. When properly cooked, pork butt is one of the most delicious and versatile cuts of pork. Now that you know the backstory, you can wow your guests with why your pulled pork really came from the pork butt!
Why is a Pork Shoulder called a Boston Butt?
FAQ
What is the difference between pork shoulder and pork butt?
Why is pulled pork called pulled pork?
What is the best cut of pork?
Why is it called a pork butt?
The name “pork butt” has a long and interesting history that dates back to colonial times. Butchers used to pack inexpensive cuts of meat into large barrels called “butts” for storage and transportation. The shoulder meat packed into these barrels became known as pork butt, and the name stuck.
Why is pork not recommended to eat?
This is not true, some cuts like sirloin and pork rump steak, for example, are very healthy, even healthier than beef and chicken. Only the fattest cuts like bacon and crackling should be avoided.
Why is a pig called a butt?
In fact, it is a cut of meat that comes from the shoulder of the pig. So why is it called “butt”? According to historical records, butchers in colonial New England used to pack inexpensive cuts of meat into large barrels called “butts” for storage and transportation.
Is pork butt the same as pulled pork?
In fact, quite the opposite. Pork butt is a cut of meat from the shoulder of the pig. Pork butt is the cut most typically used in pulled pork. It can be roasted or cut into steaks, but it is also well-suited for braising and stewing or for making ground pork or sausages.