Are you looking for a new source of protein and minerals to add to your diet? Have you ever considered pork neck bones?
While they may not be the most glamorous cut of meat, pork neck bones are a versatile ingredient that can add rich flavor to a variety of dishes. But are they healthy?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the nutritional value of pork neck bones and explore some delicious ways to incorporate them into your meals.
So, let’s dive in and find out if pork neck bones are a healthy addition to your diet!
Is Pork Neck Bones Healthy?
Pork neck bones are a good source of protein and minerals, making them a healthy addition to your diet. According to the USDA, each cooked neckbone delivers 85.5 calories after the bone is removed. They don’t contain any carbohydrates, fiber, or sugar, but they do provide 1.2 grams of saturated fats and 32 milligrams of cholesterol per piece (about 1.6 ounces).
Some important minerals in pork neck bones include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. They also contain B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and B6.
Compared to chicken necks and beef neck bones, pork necks have fewer calories and less fat per ounce. Pork necks deliver 0.9 grams of total fat per ounce, while chicken necks contain 3.6 grams for the same amount. Beef neck bones contain 2 grams of fat and 3.3 grams of protein per ounce.
Pork neck bones are also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, calcium, and potassium.
What Are Pork Neck Bones?
Pork neck bones are a cut of meat and bone that come from the neck of a pig or hog. They are often inexpensive and have a small amount of meat on them. When simmered for a few hours, the meat becomes tender and juicy, making them a popular ingredient in soul food meals. Pork neck bones are also great for making stocks, soups, gravies, and bone broth.
Pork neck bones are versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes. They are often used in Southern-style cooking, such as collard greens and spaghetti sauce. When selecting pork neck bones, it’s important to look for meatier pieces as some may only contain bone. Meaty neck bones have plenty of meat that can fall off the bone after a few hours of cooking and add flavor to any dish.
Pork neck bones are a good source of protein and minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. They also contain B vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and B6. Compared to chicken necks and beef neck bones, pork necks have fewer calories and less fat per ounce. They also provide vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, calcium, and potassium.
Nutritional Value Of Pork Neck Bones
Pork neck bones are a rich source of nutrients that are essential for maintaining good health. Each 3-ounce serving of pork neck bones contains 182 calories, 8.6 grams of fat, and 24.5 grams of protein. They also provide 1.43 milligrams of iron, which is important for the production of red blood cells and the prevention of anemia.
Pork neck bones are also a good source of calcium, with each serving containing 19.60 milligrams. Calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth, and it also plays a role in muscle function and nerve transmission.
In addition to calcium, pork neck bones contain other minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Potassium is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and proper heart function, while magnesium is needed for muscle and nerve function. Phosphorus is essential for strong bones and teeth, as well as energy metabolism.
Pork neck bones also provide B vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and B6. These vitamins are involved in energy metabolism and the production of red blood cells. They also play a role in maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and nervous system.
Health Benefits Of Eating Pork Neck Bones
Eating pork neck bones can provide a variety of health benefits. As mentioned above, they are a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Protein also helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer, which can aid in weight loss efforts.
Pork neck bones are also rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, and phosphorus. Calcium is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth, while iron is necessary for the production of red blood cells. Phosphorus plays a vital role in energy production and maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
In addition to minerals, pork neck bones contain B vitamins, which are essential for maintaining good health. Thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B6, B12, and folate are all present in pork neck bones. These vitamins play an important role in energy production, brain function, and the production of red blood cells.
Eating pork neck bones can also be beneficial for those trying to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight. As mentioned earlier, they are low in calories and fat. This means that you can eat them without worrying about consuming too many calories or unhealthy fats.
Risks And Concerns
While pork neck bones can provide many health benefits, they also come with some risks and concerns. One of the biggest concerns is the risk of splintering and breaking, which can cause your dog to choke or cut their gums, throat, or digestive tract. This is why it is not recommended to feed your dog pork neck bones, whether raw or cooked.
Additionally, pork neck bones are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Consuming too much saturated fat and cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. Therefore, it is important to consume pork neck bones in moderation and balance them with other healthy foods.
Furthermore, if you are feeding your dog raw pork neck bones, there is a risk of bacterial contamination such as Salmonella or E. coli. It is important to handle raw meat carefully and wash your hands thoroughly after handling it.
How To Cook Pork Neck Bones
There are several ways to cook pork neck bones, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are four methods to try:
1. Slow Cooked Pork Neck Bones: To make slow-cooked pork neck bones, start by cleaning the meat and seasoning it with your favorite spices. Drizzle the neck bones with vegetable oil and apple cider vinegar, then place them in a slow cooker. Add chopped onions and pour in water or chicken broth. Cook on high for 4 hours, stirring periodically. Once done, serve and enjoy!
2. Oven-Baked Pork Neck Bones: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Rinse the neck bones and season them with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and sage. Brown the meat on all sides in a large pot with bacon fat or oil. Drain the neck bones and place them in a casserole dish with onions on top. Bake covered for an hour, then add a mixture of chicken bouillon powder, flour, and water to the pot. Whisk until smooth and pour over the neck bones. Cover and cook for another hour or until tender.
3. Roasted Pork Neck Bones: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Sprinkle chopped onions and garlic into a roasting pan and pour in water and vinegar. Season the neck bones with salt and pepper and place them in the pan. Sprinkle remaining onions and garlic over top and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue cooking until golden brown.
4. Braised Pork Neck Bones: Season the meat well and coat it front and back. Heat a pot until hot, then add the pork necks to sear. Add stock to create a rich broth, monitoring the sodium content so you can adjust seasoning accordingly. To counteract any excess saltiness, add potatoes to absorb some of the seasoning. Finally, thicken up the stew by adding a cornstarch slurry.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to monitor the cooking process carefully to ensure that your pork neck bones are cooked thoroughly and safely before serving. Enjoy!
Delicious Recipes Using Pork Neck Bones
Pork neck bones are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of delicious recipes. Here are some of our favorites:
1. Pork Neck Bone Spaghetti Sauce: This classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a hearty family meal. Saute the pork neck bones in a skillet, add in your favorite vegetables and tomato sauce, and let it simmer for a few hours until the meat falls off the bone. Serve over spaghetti noodles for a delicious and satisfying meal.
2. Pork Neck Bone Soup: This recipe is perfect for cold winter nights or when you’re feeling under the weather. Simply simmer the pork neck bones with your favorite vegetables and herbs in a pot of water or chicken broth until the meat is tender and falling off the bone. Add in some noodles or rice for a complete meal.
3. Pork Neck Bone Curry: This recipe is a delicious twist on traditional curry dishes. Simmer the pork neck bones with coconut milk, curry powder, and your favorite vegetables until the meat is tender and flavorful. Serve over rice for a satisfying meal.
4. Pork Neck Bone Collard Greens: This classic Southern dish is made even more flavorful with the addition of pork neck bones. Simply simmer the bones with collard greens, onion, garlic, and your favorite seasonings until the meat is tender and the greens are wilted. Serve as a side dish or as a main course with cornbread.
5. Pork Neck Bone Tacos: These tacos are a fun and creative way to use pork neck bones. Slow cook the bones with your favorite taco seasonings until the meat falls off the bone. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, and cheese.
No matter how you choose to use them, pork neck bones are a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.
