Deutsch: Schwein / Español: Sus / Português: Sus / Français: Sus / Italiano: Sus
A pig is any of the animals in the genus Sus, within the Suidae family of even-toed ungulates. Pigs include the domestic pig and its ancestor, the common Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa), along with other species; related creatures outside the genus include the babirusa and the warthog. Pigs, like all suids, are native to the Eurasian and African continents. Juvenile pigs are known as piglets. Pigs are omnivores and are highly social and intelligent animals.
In the food context, pig usually refers to the meat of domesticated pigs, which is commonly used in various dishes around the world.
Some examples of pig meat commonly used in cooking include:
- Bacon: Cured and smoked pork belly, commonly used as a breakfast food or as a topping for sandwiches and salads.
- Ham: The cured leg of a pig, commonly roasted and served as a main course for holidays or special occasions.
- Pork chops: Slices of pork loin, commonly pan-fried, grilled, or baked and served with various sauces and sides.
- Sausages: Ground pork meat mixed with various seasonings, stuffed into casings and either cooked or cured, commonly served as a breakfast food or as a main course with sides.
Similar meats to pig include:
- Beef: The meat of cattle, commonly used for steaks, roasts, and ground beef.
- Poultry: The meat of domesticated birds such as chicken, turkey, and duck, commonly used for chicken breasts, wings, and whole roasted turkey.
- Lamb: The meat of young sheep, commonly used for roasted lamb chops or in stews and curries.
- Goat: The meat of domesticated goats, commonly used in stews and curries in many parts of the world.
- Venison: The meat of deer, commonly used in stews, roasts, and sausages.