Pork lungs may seem like an unusual meat to seek out. However, these odd bits have value for culinary creatives and pet owners alike. From ethnic recipes to dog treats, lungs provide texture and nutrition. But with restrictions on selling them for human consumption, where can you actually buy pork lungs?
This guide will cover why you may want pork lungs, where to source them legally, and how to use them once acquired. Read on for tips to locate and enjoy this intriguing ingredient
The Appeal of Pork Lungs
First, let’s discuss why cooks and pet lovers want to get their hands on pork lung in the first place. Here are some of the benefits that drive demand:
ForCooking and Eating
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Pork lungs have a chewy, bouncy texture unlike any other meat. They soak up flavors and add interesting mouthfeel.
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Organ meats like lungs are highly nutritious, packed with vitamins and minerals.
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They allow use of the whole animal, reducing waste.
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Lungs are coveted in certain cuisines like Japanese yakiniku BBQ.
For Pets
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Dried lung treats clean dog’s teeth as they chew.
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The texture entertains dogs for hours, easing boredom
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Lung treats provide chondroitin and glucosamine for joint health.
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The lung tissue is digestible and low-fat.
With this context on why cooks and pet owners want pork lungs, where can you actually find them for purchase?
Sourcing Pork Lungs for Consumption
In the United States, the USDA prohibits the sale of lungs for human consumption. However, it remains legal to buy and eat them. This means you won’t find lungs for cooking at typical grocers or butcher shops. So where can you locate them? Here are a few options:
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Asian Markets – Specialty Asian food stores may stock frozen pork lungs intended for cooking in dishes like yakiniku. Shop at markets servicing Japanese, Korean, or Chinese communities.
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Ethnic Butcher Shops – Butchers catering to certain ethnic groups may carry hard-to-find items like lungs. Ask around at Mexican, Asian, or halal butchers.
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Direct from Local Farms – Develop a relationship with hog farmers to buy lungs along with other primal cuts. Frozen lungs keep well for use later.
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Online Specialty Vendors – Various online vendors sell proteins like liver, kidney, and lung. Search for “pork odd bits” or “pork offal.”
While buying and consuming pork lungs is legal, make sure any vendor properly stores and handles them frozen to ensure food safety.
Buying Pork Lungs for Pets
Selling lungs as dog treats does not fall under the same USDA restrictions. Pet owners have an easier time finding lung treats both locally and online. Places to buy include:
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Pet Supply Shops – Many carry dried lung treats from major brands like Merrick and Blue Buffalo. Look in specialty pet bakeries too.
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Small-Batch Pet Treat Makers – Boutique pet treat businesses offer unique lung treats in various forms like strips and chips. Search sites like Etsy.
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Online Pet Retailers – Websites like Chewy, Petco, and PetSafe carry major brands and specialty lung treats for dogs.
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Local Butcher Shops – Even grocers that don’t sell human edible lungs may stock dried lung dog treats.
For the highest quality, look for treats made from 100% pork lung with no artificial additives. Treats made in the USA also follow more stringent regulations.
Cooking with Pork Lungs
Once you source fresh or frozen pork lungs, they require special preparation before cooking. Here are some tips:
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Rinse well and pat dry. Remove any membranes or blood clots.
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Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add lungs and blanch for 5 minutes. This firms up the texture.
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Slice lung tissue into bite-size pieces. You can bread and fry, braise, or grill them.
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Pork lungs pair well with assertive flavors like soy sauce, miso, garlic, and chili sauce.
Some delicious dishes you can make with pork lungs include:
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Korean spicy pork lung stew.
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Tacos with fried pork lung.
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Japanese yakiniku with seared lung.
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Italian pork lung ragu over polenta.
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Chili with braised pork lung.
With creative recipes, lungs transform from strange novelty to delicious delicacy.
Feeding Pork Lung Treats Safely
When giving dried pork lung treats to dogs, keep these tips in mind:
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Introduce new treats slowly to watch for allergies or tolerance.
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Size treats appropriately for your dog to avoid choking.
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Monitor to ensure treats do not cause upset stomach or diarrhea.
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Clean water should be available to aid digestion.
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Reduce kibble at meals to account for extra treat calories.
In moderation alongside their regular diet, most dogs thrive on dried pork lung treats. The natural chew satisfies cravings while promoting healthy teeth and gums.
From nutritious ethnic dishes to artisanal pet treats, pork lungs provide unique culinary potential. While selling them for human food is regulated in the U.S., they remain legal to buy and eat. With some creative sourcing and preparation, cooks and pet owners can enjoy this intriguing odd bit in many forms. Seek out local specialty vendors or online sellers to purchase pork lungs. Then craft mouthwatering recipes or long-lasting chews to delight both pets and people.
Pork Lungs | How To Clean And Prepare For Cooking Later | Pork Offal Confinement Dish
FAQ
Are pork lungs high in cholesterol?
What is pork lungs?
A unique and interesting part of the pig, it’s not commonly found in western supermarkets. It is extremely common in Asian countries and used in soups and dishes. Whenever you get a chance to experience, work with or cook pork lungs, it’s really an experience.
How to cook pork lungs?
1. Rinse the pork lung well and pat dry. Rinse and trim the leek, carrot, parsley, celery and onion. Peel if necessary and chop everything coarsely. Bring to a boil with the bay leaf, cloves, white wine, vinegar and 2 liters (approximately 8 1/2 cups) of salted water. Add the lungs to the water and let simmer for 70 minutes until soft.
Is the lung-Meat Ban a good idea?
Even if you don’t want to chow down on a breathing apparatus with Reisman, the lung-meat ban is an interesting case study in how our perceptions of ickiness and health shift depending on the cut of meat in question—and who is eating it.
Can you eat animal lungs?
Now Reisman, a doctor and the author of The Unseen Body, hosts organ-meat tasting dinners. (He has occasionally written about his culinary adventures for Slate). But there’s one organ he can’t legally serve: animal lungs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture banned the sale of lungs for human consumption in 1971. Reisman is hoping to flip the ban.