Pork Butt vs Pork Shoulder

Why Is Pork Shoulder Called Pork Butt?

Contrary to what some believe, pork butt does not come from the back-end of a pig. The name has created some amount of confusion, and it is, in fact, a cut of meat from the shoulder of the pig. So why then is it called “butt”?

Well, the name originates from early New England times and refers to how they were stored. “Butts” were the name of the barrels used to store and transport inexpensive meats. Pork shoulder meat packed into these containers came to be called “pork butts” and the rest is history.

Even more, this particular shoulder cut became known as a New England specialty, and became the “Boston butt.”

Pork Butt Vs. Pork Shoulder: What’s The Difference?

While both pork butt and pork shoulder originate from the shoulder of the pig, there are some key differences between the two cuts. Pork butt is cut from the upper, thicker section of the shoulder and includes parts of the neck, shoulder blade, and the top of the leg. It is considered a relatively tough cut of pork–similar to a brisket–that contains a good amount of fat marbling throughout. This makes it ideal for “low-and-slow” cooking.

On the other hand, pork shoulder, often labeled “picnic shoulder”, comes from the lower, triangle-shaped end of the shoulder above the front leg. It is less marbled than pork butt, making it leaner and potentially tougher. A characteristic of pork shoulder is the thick skin and fat layer that is left on. Usually, this is removed before cooking. Like its cousin, the Butt, this pork cut is also quite suitable for low-and-slow cooking, although because of the leanness, often requires a bit longer cooking time to achieve ideal tenderness.

Which One Should You Choose?

Well, when deciding which cut to choose for your cook, consider the cooking time, desired leanness, effort needed if cutting the fat layer off the shoulder, etc. Pork butt is always a great choice for smoking/barbecuing because of its juicy, high fat content and wonderfully tender texture. Pork shoulder is better when leaner cuts are wanted, or even if you are looking for a more crispy skin.

Either way, you can’t go wrong and often butts and shoulders are interchangeable as long as you plan ahead.