“Pig Pick’n”

In my home region in the southern USA, we have a very unique cooking tradition. Typically, this type of gathering is held after significant events in the community (like a wedding, graduation, anniversary, baptism, etc). But it can also be held just for community, typically in the summer. This event is called a “Pig Pick’n” (pronounced “pikkin” -a southern dialect for “picking”. To “pick at” means to remove, or choose something. In this case, it means to “pick up” meat from the grill). At a “pig pickin’ “ there is a very large, oval metal grill. It is unique because an entire pig is cooked inside the grill at once. It typically takes 4-8 hours. The host of the party typically cooks, but everyone who comes brings a dish to contribute to the community dinner. Common dishes are casseroles, potato or pasta salad, pies (like apple, rhubarb, sweet potato). In my own town, some of the elders would bring home made ice cream! The most popular home made flavor was banana (churned by hand at home). Banana pudding is often a popular dessert (it is called “Nilla pudin’” in some places). It is important that everyone contributes to the community meal if they can afford to, and everyone gets excited to see what others will bring (it is always fun to see what dishes are brought. Sometimes community members will be “famous” for a certain item! Just like the banana ice cream in my community). Another very special aspect of these parties is that the BBQ sauce is very different depending on region. My region is famous for being known for a vinegar based BBQ sauce that had red pepper flakes in it. Most BBQ is a thick brown/red sauce, but vinegar sauce is mostly clear, tangy and a little bit spicy! It is very unique! Please try it if you like! :) My region is also known for putting “coleslaw” on top of pulled pork from a pig pickin’. Coleslaw is a dish that is made of shredded cold cabbage, often mixed with shredded carrots and in a very light mayonnaise sauce. It is beautiful contrast to the tangy and spicy meat that is made with the vinegar bbq sauce. When the meat is finished cooking, it is prepared directly on the grill. In my region, party attendees line up at the grill to pick/choose the piece of meat that they like the most. Sometimes he host of the party will serve the meat, too. Even though I do not eat a lot of meat (I prefer vegetables and fish), I still remember so many wonderful community pig Pick’ns at home. Everyone was always so happy to share their food. Even though everyone tried to bring a dish to contribute: if someone cannot afford to bring food, the community will be happy to give them food! It is customary to “take a plate” home. This means it is okay to fill a plate with food to take home, to eat later. It is especially encouraged in the community if someone needs more food, or if they have a large family to feed.It is also important to mention there is often music playing. Many churches will hold these parties to celebrate the birth of a new child, someone joining the church, or someone getting baptized. It is also a secular event, too! Many times soda, beer and drinks are served. “hush Puppies” (fried corn bread) is also a common side dish. Fried fish (flounder or catfish) or shrimp are also common alternative dishes for community members that eat mostly fish. The photo I have provided is from google, because I wanted to choose a photo that was safe for everyone to look at! The photos are of people gathering pork from the grill vanillla pudding, and coleslaw. These really represent my culture. I hope everyone enjoyed learning about this tradition! I wish I could share this tradition with many people, because it bring the community together. Please try to attend a “pig Pick’n” if you ever visit the south or the Carolina’s of America! :)