Pork Collar vs Pork Shoulder

Pork Collar vs Pork Shoulder 

Finding the right cut of pork for roasting, slow cooking or smoking can be confusing. There are several other names for pork shoulder. The terms pork shoulder, pork collar, pork butt and Boston butt are all in the mix.

It turns out the butt isn’t from the back of the animal, a shoulder is generally just a piece of the shoulder, and then there is a collar. Confused yet? 

While these cuts are from the same area, it’s important to know the differences. At Snake River Farms we offer two Kurobuta pork cuts that fill the bill: a whole bone-in pork shoulder and a pork collar. Let's clear up the differences between the two.

The Pork Shoulder 

What makes the Snake River Farms pork shoulder different? Most pork shoulders are broken into two pieces; a pork shoulder (also referred to as a “picnic shoulder”) and a pork butt or Boston butt.

The Snake River Farms whole bone-in shoulder is exactly that. The whole shoulder with the shank bone left intact. This includes the Boston butt, picnic shoulder, fore shank, and pork collar.

Cut from Kurobuta pork, our bone-in shoulder is rich with fine marbling and full of delicious pork flavor. This generous cut averages 17 pounds and is a fantastic starting point for incredible pulled pork or slow cooked for a memorable pork roast. 

The Pork Collar 

The pork collar is sourced from the shoulder portion that runs from the neck to the tip of the loin. Technically it's described as a “center cut boneless pork butt”. 

Most pork in the U.S. is broken into two pieces at the shoulder; a pork shoulder (also referred to as a “picnic shoulder”) and a pork butt or Boston butt. When your needs call for a smaller cut, our pork collar is the perfect solution.

With an average weight of four pounds, the pork collar is smaller than traditional pork butts. Like the full shoulder, the collar is full of beautiful rich marbling for impressive flavor. It's perfect for roasting and braising to slow smoking or cutting into pork steaks. 

The Next Steps

Now that you know exactly what you’re looking for when it comes to the ever-confusing pork shoulder and pork collar. We encourage you to try a few of our favorite recipes featuring these amazing cuts. 

1. Cuban Rubbed Kurobuta Bone-in Pork Shoulder
   If you are looking for a big show stopping centerpiece for a large dinner party, this makes a good spread for a crowd. You can prepare this pork shoulder mostly in advance, so you have minimal hands-on work when your guests arrive. The pork is best when it comes right out of the oven. Pulling hot fresh pieces of cooked pork straight from the shoulder is so delicious! It’s great served with your favorite black bean recipe, a simple cilantro rice, seasonal verde (see recipe below) and some pickled giardiniera. > Learn More.
   
   
2. Pulled Pork from a Kurobuta Pork Collar
   Pulled pork is a crowd-pleasing favorite and the perfect go-to recipe when you are looking to impress.  And Snake River Farms American Kurobuta pork collars take your pulled pork to the next level. With a few simple ingredients and a little time and patience you’ll take your pulled pork from ordinary to extraordinary. > Learn More. 
   
   
3. Smoked Pork Collar TacosSpice up your next Taco Tuesday with these Smoked Pork Collar Tacos. Mexican spice rubbed pork shoulder, smoked until it’s falling apart tender then served on corn tortillas with pickled red onions and queso fresco. > Learn More. 
   
   
   

Are you a visual learner? See our short video "The Difference Between Pork Shoulder & Pork Collar".