General question:Ham Hocks,Shanks and Trotters

[Daniel]

Ok.. Just so I have this correct.. A Ham Hock is the same thing as a Ham Shank? A trotter is a pigs foot?

[Carrot Top]

On the eastern seaboard of the US, generally a hock is a smaller portion of a ham shank. Both are usually smoked and/or cured. Hocks are usually used in soups/stews/bean dishes, for flavor. Shanks are *usually* larger, with a lot more meat on them. But sometimes you will find a hock that is called a shank.

You know how that is.

Trotters are indeed feet, and are very good. Usually they are not cured or smoked. Sometimes they are cut in half, sometimes they are pickled in a jar.

P.S. Unless it is a very large shank, which can be closer to a roast than a hock, a shank and a hock can be used interchangeably. If the shank is one of those huge "roast" portions, it might need to be trimmed down before using, or else get a very big pot if you intend to braise/simmer it.

Edited November 11, 2006 by Carrot Top (log)

[Daniel]

Thanks for the clarification..

[ellencho]

Also, I think normally when you buy hocks you get mostly the joint above the trotter.