Boston Pork Butt Vs Pork Picnic Shoulder: What’s The Difference?
Whether it’s for your family or friends gathering, BBQ, potluck, or any other event where you need a good dish to bring with you – this blog post will help.
So let’s get started and make sure your next party has the most talked-about dish on the table: pork butt vs picnic shoulder, which one is better?
To answer this question, accompany us and delve into these two pork cuts to understand more about them and consider one for your family’s next meal.
What is pork butt?
Pork butt, also known as Boston butt, is a cut of meat that comes from the upper part of the pig’s shoulder.
This cut is very flavorful and tender (due to its high-fat content).
It can be used in many dishes such as pulled pork sliders or barbecue sandwiches.
It is one of the most versatile cuts of pork, that’s why it is very popular in different cuisines all over the world.
Some people often mistake pork butt with pork shoulder.
Although they all come from the shoulder section, which is above the front legs of the pig.
Moreover, pork butt is neither from the pig’s butt as its name, so don’t be confused.
What is pork picnic?
Pork picnic, commonly known as pork shoulder or picnic shoulder, is a pork cut from the shoulder section of the pig.
If the pork butt is from the upper area, then pork the picnic counterpart comes from the opposite side down below.
In other words, pork picnic is the cut with muscles that get a lot of work (near the legs which the pig uses to walk).
It is found between the pork butt and the front leg hoof.
Pork picnic is considered to be one of the more flavorful cuts because it has different muscle groups that can provide an array of textures and flavors.
It can be used to make pulled pork, which many people enjoy eating with barbecue sauce or fried onions and slaw on top.
Pork picnic shoulder is also very popular in Mexican dishes such as carnitas and tacos al pastor.
What are the differences between pork butt vs picnic?
Pork butt and pork picnic cuts are usually mistaken because they come from the same shoulder area.
However, in fact, they differ in many ways, as listed out clearly in the comparison table below:
| Pork butt | Pork picnic | |
| Animal’s part | From the upper part of the shoulder section (near the back) | From the opposed area to the pork butt, runs from the pork butt to the top of the front leg hoof |
| Fat content and texture | Have more fat and connective tissues | Leaner and more muscles |
| Main use | Perfect for slow-cook recipes at low temperatures because of more fat and connective tissues | Can be quickly cooked like in frying or grilling recipes |
What are the similarities between pork butt vs picnic?
Pork butt and pork picnic shoulder also share some similarities besides the aforementioned differences:
1. They are great for pulled pork
If you are looking for a pork cut that can be perfectly made pulled pork, choose either pork butt or pork picnic.
These two meat cuts are great to be pulled thanks to their tenderness and adequate fat content.
Your pulled pork will be perfectly moist, not too fat or dry.
Use the resulting shredded pork to make a mouth-watering addition to your salad, sandwiches, tacos fillings, or burritos.
2. Pork butt and pork picnic have the same flavor
This similarity can be explained because pork butt and pork picnic are both pork cuts from the shoulder of the pig despite the fact that Boston butt contains more fat and picnic has more muscles.
Moreover, the taste of these cuts will also be affected by the dish you are working on.
Other ingredients and spices can penetrate into the meat, which results in a slight difference in their flavors.
However, pork shoulder and pork butt have meaty pork flavor that is sweet and juicy.
Which one is better?
| Product Comparison | Boneless Pork Butt Roast 2.5 lbs. | Pork Shoulder Butt Roast Bone-In Step 1 |
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The answer to this question may depend on whether you are looking for a cut that is leaner, or one with more fat content.
In the end, it really relies on what your personal preference and needs are when choosing which pork butt vs picnic shoulder type of meat will work best for you in terms of health benefits.
Pork has been shown to provide many positive cardiovascular effects such as lowering cholesterol levels while also increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
It’s important to note that these cuts can be used interchangeably in many delicious recipes – so don’t stress too much about making the wrong decision!
Once you know what both cuts have to offer and understand their differences better, then we recommend trying them out yourself and pick one that you feel preferred.