Half a Pig FAQs

Paul looking at FOUR boxes which equals TWO pigs

We realize that ordering Half a Pig can be pretty daunting so we have put together this page to answer some typical questions.

What do I get for my money?

You will get literally half a pig!  It comes fully butchered to your individual requirements or based on our standard recommendation if you are not sure exactly what you want.  There is a list at the bottom of the page with more info about the cuts and sizes but you will get one or two boxes the size of the ones pictured to the left.  The number of boxes is dependent on the weight of the pig but all the pieces come ready wrapped and identified, ready for making fresh pork sausages (if not a bacon pig - see below for difference) or freezing.

Is it really good value?

We believe it is excellent value.  Not only are you getting a great product with very low "food miles" but it is about at least 1/3 cheaper to buy in this way than buying the individual cuts.

Will I get lots of bits I don't want?

No, you will get what you ask for in the individual cuts.  We can help advise what you can get and will provide a standard set of cuts if you are not sure what you would like.  You will get lots of cuts that you might not normally buy but we think that is a good thing as it will encourage you to consider recipes that will extend your palette and culinary repertoire - it has for us.

If there are any parts that you really don't want, like head, heart or trotters, we can come to some arrangement to buy-them back or do something else mutually advantageous like show you how to make sausages.

How do I know what is what?

It will all come labelled so you know exactly what is what.

How much space do I need in my freezer?

You will need space for the two large boxes that we deliver like you see in the photo above.  This is basically about the size of 8 standard shoe boxes.  We have found that with a modicum of planning and using up some of those things that have been lingering in your freezer for far too long, most people can easily accommodate this amount of meat. 

How does it work?

It's very simple.  You agree that you would like to purchase a half pig, either by yourself or sharing with a friend or two, you tell us, we take the pig to the abattoir, get it butchered to your requirements and a few days later you will get two boxes (like the ones in the picture above) full of prime succulent meat.

Do I get Pork or Bacon?

The simple answer is that if you order one of our pigs at around 26 weeks or so, what you get back will be suitable for Pork and sausage making.  If the pig is 36 weeks or more you can use it for AMAZING bacon.  We will tell you what we are offering each time so you can be sure.

What else do you offer?

We like to offer as much advice as we can and also share recipes but above all we like to organize occasions to share our prime produce with you.  For us a huge part of the process is the shared experience of enjoying prime quality food that we have produced ourselves.  We have organized hugely successfully "Bacon Tasting" and also love to cook our meat and have communal meals.

This year our pigs will be used as Hog Roasts on a number of occasions, enjoyed by up to 100 people at a time.  For anyone who buys one of our Half Porkers we will organize an evening with as many of the other purchasers as we can manage, we will also organize a Sausage Making evening and for anyone who buys one of our Half Baconers we will organize a Bacon tasting evening, all mixed in with great wines and great company as you become part of our expanding, extended Pig Family!

What if I need to know more?

Then just ask!  Either email ashtonkeynespigs@gmail.com or speak to us in person.  We are very happy to help.

Standard cuts of meat that we usually request

Trotters
Tail
Ears
Heads (Halved) - to use the cheek meat
Kidneys
Liver

Cuts as follows:

Back legs boned out and cut into 3 joints
Loins – can they be boned and cut into 1.5kgish pieces please
Belly – Thick end roasting joints and rest for sausages
Shoulder
Hand into 2 joints,
Fillet

No brains or heart

There are other pieces that you can request but we don't usually.  You can find out more information from various other websites, in particular this page at  http://porkforbutchers.bpex.org.uk is very informative.

Well, we hope that is some help to explain what we get out of this process and what you can enjoy.  Any questions, just let us know via ashtonkeynespigs@gmail.com- we would love to hear from you.