Pigstail goes upscale

Keisha Shakespeare, Staff Reporter

Jamaicans, by nature, are meat eaters and pork/pigstail are high on the list of meats consumed.

Best Dressed Foods, owners of Content Agricultural Products, have noticed the change in the protein consumption trend of consumers and has launched several low-cost protein products which address those needs directly. On that list is the Content Cured Pigstail, which Best Dressed Foods says is a preferred item among consumers.

Since 2007, Content Agricultural Products has been processing cured pigstail; however, curing meat is not new to the company. In fact, they began curing beef as far back as the 1980s and, as such, they claim to be experts in the field.

To introduce each new product to consumers, many promotional events as well as new and exciting ways to prepare them, are held islandwide. But, best of all, the fact that, to date, one restaurant, Cuddyz, has included barbecued pigstail on its menu, makes all the effort worthwhile. As time goes by, more processed products will be added to their inventory.

Best Dressed representatives recently visited The Gleaner's editorial department to do a sampling of their delicious mango-glazed pigstail. During that tasting, they told Food that, true to the Jamaica Broilers tradition, the Content brand guarantees the best quality cured pigstail. And the meat is cured for 10 days.

They also added that the product passes through various stages of inspection during production and packaging, before it reaches the consumer.

Additionally, they boasted that their cured pigstail is spiced to perfection to add flavour. Not surprisingly, it is a true Jamaican favourite in stewed peas and red peas soup. However, it can be prepared in several different ways, including boiled, roasted, or grilled. As a plus, it is packaged in one-pound vacuum packs and is available in supermarkets islandwide.

See recipe below.