If you find this cut of pork at the market, don’t miss it because it’s highly nutritious and good for your health.
Pork is a staple in many Vietnamese households, so much so that every family consumes it regularly, whether daily or weekly. The most commonly purchased cuts include bones for soups and broths, pork tummy, pork shoulder, and pork leg for stewing or slow cooking. Pork belly is often grilled, while pork tenderloin and lean pork can be used for making shredded pork.
However, there remains an exceptionally delicious part of the pig, which can be described as “five-star quality,” though it only comprises a small portion of the pig, estimated to be around 200 grams. Despite its small size, this cut is regarded as the tastiest part of the entire pig, known for its rich flavor and nutritional benefits, often compared to “ginseng” due to its rarity.
This special cut is known as the cheek meat, or the inner cheek of the pig.
The cheek meat is located at the head of the pig, carefully extracted from the jowl, excluding the ears. Cheek meat is characterized by its minimal meat content, mainly consisting of a thick, firm outer layer of skin along with the jawbone. Nonetheless, it is considered a nutritious part, providing many health benefits. When consumed, cheek meat offers a crispy texture with a thick layer of skin and firm fat, yet it does not feel greasy like other fatty pork cuts.
The cheek meat is so “five-star” that it is often sold out quickly by early morning. (Illustrative photo: Internet).
Within the cheek meat, there are two parts: the outer cheek meat and the inner cheek meat. The outer cheek is tasty but has more fat and is not as delicious as the inner cheek. Because of its exquisite flavor and limited quantity, this part is often sold out quickly, requiring early shopping.
The unique feature of inner cheek meat is that it has a lot of tendons, which are interspersed with the meat but very tender, not tough or chewy. This cut is available in markets but is usually sold quickly, so buyers must arrive early. Many homemakers report that by around 7 AM, the inner cheek meat is often gone.
Health Benefits
Not only is it delicious, but pig cheek also offers numerous health benefits, including:
- The meat is rich in vitamins B and D, which are beneficial for the digestive system and help the body absorb essential nutrients, enhancing the immune system.
- It contains abundant minerals that positively affect the nervous system, improving memory and effectively reducing stress.
- The nutritional components are beneficial for eyesight and bone health, helping to prevent osteoporosis and promote overall strength.
- Cheek meat aids recovery in individuals who are unwell.
- Rich in collagen, it helps women achieve brighter and smoother skin.
Tips for Buying Inner Cheek Meat
Inner cheek meat is quite rare and limited. If you want to buy it, you need to go to the market early or even inform the seller in advance to ensure availability. When selecting inner cheek meat, pay attention to the following characteristics:
Not only is it delicious, but pig cheek also offers numerous health benefits. (Illustrative photo: Internet).
- The surface of the inner cheek meat should be dry, not damp. If the meat appears wet or moist, it may have been injected with water or frozen.
- The color should be bright, rosy, with no signs of darkening.
- The meat should not have any strange odors, should not be leaking liquid, or lack elasticity.
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