Are you an adventurous eater looking to try something new?
Or maybe you’re a fan of East Asian cuisine and want to explore more of its unique flavors.
Whatever your reason may be, if you’re wondering where to buy pork lungs, you’ve come to the right place.
Pork lungs are an underrated offal cut that can add a distinct taste to any dish.
However, before you start your search, it’s important to note that pork lungs are actually illegal to sell in the United States.
But fear not, they are still legal to consume, and there are ways to get your hands on them.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the ban on selling pork lungs, where you can buy them legally, and some delicious recipes to try out.
So buckle up and get ready for a culinary adventure!
Where Can I Buy Pork Lungs?
As mentioned earlier, pork lungs are illegal to sell in the United States due to concerns about public health. However, they are still legal to consume and can be found in certain ethnic markets or specialty butcher shops.
It’s important to note that purchasing pork lungs from an illegal source can be dangerous and should be avoided. Always make sure to buy from a reputable and legal source.
One option for purchasing pork lungs is to visit an Asian market or grocery store. These stores often carry a variety of offal cuts, including pork lungs.
Another option is to contact a local specialty butcher shop and inquire about their availability. Some butchers may be able to order pork lungs for you, or they may already have them in stock.
It’s important to do your research and make sure that the source you’re buying from is reputable and follows proper food safety guidelines.
Why Are Pork Lungs Illegal To Sell In The United States?
Pork lungs are illegal to sell in the United States due to concerns about food safety. The Department of Agriculture banned the production and importation of animal lungs in 1971 because of the risk that gastrointestinal fluid might leak into them during the slaughtering process, raising the likelihood of food-borne illness. Pathologists gathered several hundred cow lungs from various slaughterhouses and found contaminants such as pollen, fungal spores, and even stomach contents in them. These contaminants made them think that lungs were not fit for human consumption. Although every breath we take has uncountable numbers of fungal spores and pollen, the USDA still considers pork lungs to be a risk to public health. While consuming pork lungs may not necessarily be as detrimental as the USDA claims, it’s still illegal to sell them in the United States.
Where Can You Buy Pork Lungs Legally?
Due to concerns about public health, pork lungs are illegal to sell in the United States. However, they are still legal to consume and can be found in certain legal and reputable sources.
One option for purchasing pork lungs legally is to visit an Asian market or grocery store. These stores often carry a variety of offal cuts, including pork lungs, and are known for their quality and safety standards.
Another option is to contact a local specialty butcher shop and inquire about their availability. Some butchers may be able to order pork lungs for you from a legal source, or they may already have them in stock from a reputable supplier.
It’s important to make sure that the source you’re buying from is following proper food safety guidelines and is licensed by the appropriate regulatory agencies. Always check for any certifications or permits that the seller may have before making a purchase.
How To Prepare Pork Lungs For Cooking
Before cooking pork lungs, it’s important to properly prepare them to ensure they are safe and tender. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare pork lungs for cooking:
1. Thaw the pork lungs: If you have frozen pork lungs, let them thaw at room temperature before preparing them.
2. Soak the pork lungs: Experienced cooks recommend soaking the pork lungs in water to draw out toxins and spotting from the offal. Place the thawed pork lungs in an enamel container and completely fill them with clean water. Soak the offal for several hours, regularly changing the water that has lost its transparency.
3. Rinse and cook: After soaking, rinse the pork lungs with cold water and cook them further according to your recipe. One popular method is to fill a deep saucepan with 2/3 water, add a medium-sized peeled onion and table salt to taste, and simmer the lungs for 2 hours over low heat, turning from time to time. Use a slotted spoon to descale the lungs.
4. Cool and slice: Once cooked, let the pork lungs cool slightly before removing large bronchi and trachea and cutting them into thin slices or strips. If you want the slices to acquire a denser consistency, place them under a press for 2-3 hours.
5. Bread and fry (optional): Some recipes call for breading and frying the pork lung slices until golden brown in hot butter.
By following these steps, you can safely prepare pork lungs for cooking and enjoy this unique ingredient in your favorite dishes.