If that processor is giving away pig heads that cheap with the jowls and tongue still in tact they must be pretty small timey or idiots (because they don't realize the market that's there). I wouldn't mess with the brain there have been reports of pig processing plant workers getting sick when working with them. Cheek meat is alright to use too. A newer export item some companies are selling is the bung (last foot or so of intestine), they wash it out and apparently people stuff it with vegetables and use it as a casing. Seeing a whole hog butchered is interesting and something you should definitely check out, also very hard work when only using hand tools.
It's kind of a given that it's small time (due to the size of the town i live in), but it is also the only processor in the area. They double as a "butcher" for an organic market.
http://www.sunnysidefarmsmarket.com/wp/I have the term "butcher" in quotes because they don't do any of the butchering at the market. Essentially they just process it at the plant and then send it over there. The quality of pork they have is actually really good, and I was able to meet the hog farmer when I was there. Had a long conversation about how she and her husband raise the pigs.
The price on the pig heads is extremely low, and the complete reason I had to get them. As far as the market for these types of meats around town, I don't think anybody else is really interested besides a few high end restaurants. The lady said nobody else has called and that they have over 200 heads in the freezer they need to get rid of. I already had an inkling that nobody (cept maybe ranchers) does this type of stuff when it took me a little over 8 months to find a supply of pork bellies.
It does seem pretty pud, imo, that they skinned it before sale. Should be a decision made by the consumer. Don't know why they would ruin everyone's fun time with fried pig ears.
asava, i think you are doing something interesting and elite. good for you, and thanks for posting. if you have a dog, i bet he's really happy about your investment as well.
thanks. will post dogs' opinions as well.
