Pork tongue: useful properties and recipes for cooking

Despite the fact that absolutely every nutritionist talks about the harm of pork, it is still the most popular type of meat products at the moment. A special place among pork products takes such a byproduct as tongue. This part of the pork carcass is a by-product of the first category, in terms of taste and nutritional value it is comparable to top-grade meat. Many people like to eat dishes made of this product, as they have a delicate flavor and are very hearty.

Pork tongue is used to make salads, various cold snacks and sandwiches. It has no coarse fibers, due to which it is almost completely digested by the digestive tract. This meat contains many vitamins and mineral compounds, so it can be included even in the food of a small child or an elderly person, but in small quantities and on the condition that it is not intolerant.

What is the difference between pork tongue and beef tongue?

Both by-products are delicacies. But often people wonder which variety is more useful for the human body. To do this, it is necessary to understand the differences between beef and pork meat. First of all, it should be noted that the beef subproduct is slightly larger in size. Also veal tongue has a more delicate structure. The cost of this variety is slightly higher compared to the pork product.

Beef subproduct contains almost no veins. The protein part of such a delicacy is 16 g, 12 g is allocated for fats, and only 2 g for carbohydrates.

As for the chemical composition, the two products have similarities. Both are rich in thiamine, which helps with brain function and also improves appetite. In addition, by-products are enriched with iron, designed to protect the body from the effects of bacteria and increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood. Potassium in the composition of beef and pork tongue has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system and nerves, contributes to the absorption of magnesium. The presence of phosphorus in products provides a normal metabolism, strengthens bones and teeth.

Which is tastier and healthier

The advantage of beef tongue is that it contains a daily dose of zinc. As for the pork dainty, it practically lacks this element. The role of this substance for the human body is that it acts as a prevention of diabetes, and also improves the condition of the skin, hair and nail plates. In addition, zinc ensures the absorption of retinol, activates brain activity and promotes rapid healing of wounds.

However, there is almost twice as much cholesterol in beef by-product, not in pork, as is commonly believed.

Everyone has his own taste preferences, and everyone decides for himself which kind of tongue tastes better.

Composition and calories

Pork tongue has a rich vitamin composition. Thus, it contains some representatives of the B-group, tocopherol, niacin. Of the minerals found here are K, Ca, Mg, Na, S, Fe, Co, Mn. Also the pig tongue contains sterols and saturated fatty acids.

The caloric value of the product is about 200 kcal per 100 grams of dainty, which is more than 20 percent of the daily norm.

In the boiled product there are no carbohydrates and dietary fiber.

What is useful for pork tongue

General benefits

For a long time, experts in the field of nutrition have been debating about the useful and harmful qualities of pork tongue. Despite the fact that it actually contains a lot of fat and cholesterol, doctors still advise to include a delicacy in the diet at least once every 10 days. This is due to the fact that the product has a number of positive properties.

The main benefit of the tongue for a healthy human body is that it contains a high concentration of protein, which is necessary for the growth of muscle fibers and the normal functioning of the heart. People whose jobs involve physical exertion and athletes are recommended to alternate between pork tongue and beef tongue, because they both contain a lot of protein and other beneficial amino acids for muscles.

Pork tongue fibers are rich in minerals, which are necessary for people with iron deficiency anemia and bleeding disorders. If a child is found to have low hemoglobin, the pediatrician may recommend introducing this by-product into the child's diet after the age of two.

Pig tongue is one of the few delicacies characterized by a high concentration of lecithin. This substance contains a number of phospholipids, which have a beneficial effect on the liver and excretory system. Regular consumption of lecithin-rich products improves nervous system function, reduces the severity of neurotic disorders, cleanses cells of toxic substances and inhibits the development of free radicals that often cause cancer. In addition, this product provides regeneration of damaged cells directly to the brain and helps to slow the aging process.

As already mentioned, pork tongue contains vitamins PP and E. They have a positive effect on the health of the dermis and stimulate its renewal. It is scientifically proven that when consuming 50-100 grams of pork offal daily during the rehabilitation period, there is a more rapid restoration of skin integrity in various wounds, burns and cuts. A large amount of protein, lecithin and some amino acids ensure the healing of damaged skin after frostbite.

For women

The presence of iron in the product, as well as a number of vitamins helps to cope with anemia. This condition is often faced by women during the menstrual cycle. Lecithin and B-group vitamins stabilize the nervous system. It should also be noted that lecithin takes part in the renewal of brain cells.

Pork tongue has an excellent, optimal ratio of nutrients, so when it is regularly included in the diet, it improves overall health.

For men

The subproduct is useful for the male half of mankind in that it contributes to the normal functioning of the liver and kidney system. The constituents of the product allow you to clean the body of toxins and impurities, as well as prevent the development of free radicals.

Pork tongue is a real source of biologically active substances, as well as protein. Therefore, it is very useful for athletes and for the representatives of the stronger sex, whose work involves physical labor.

When pregnant

Opinions of experts regarding the introduction of pig tongue into the diet during the period of carrying the baby vary. For example, some nutritionists believe that the subproduct is useful because it is characterized by a rich vitamin and mineral composition, which ensures the development of the bone and muscular system.

In addition, the body of a pregnant woman is under double strain, which often results in the development of anemia associated with a lack of iron. The benefit of such a delicacy is the ability to reduce the likelihood of developing such a disease, because the components of the delicacy take an active part in the process of hematopoiesis. Some, however, advise excluding such food from the diet of girls in the position, because it can cause an allergic reaction.

When breastfeeding

Pig tongue is useful for a woman during lactation. Due to the high nutritional value, the synthesis of milk and the improvement of its characteristics are provided. But in this case, it is important to remember that the product can cause allergies. Therefore, after the first use of subproduct, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the baby and the mother herself.

For kids

Introduce pork offal as a diet to children only after three years. Puree from this part of the pork is very tender, it contains a small amount of connective tissue and quite a lot of protein, which is very easily absorbed by the baby's stomach and at the same time has a nutritional value. Before you start giving your child such a treat, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

It is important to remember that the introduction of tongue into the child's diet before the age of three can be detrimental to health.

When losing weight

It is generally believed that by-products are not very useful for human health. Nutritionists, however, assure that some of them are a source of important vitamins and minerals that should be present in the diet. Most have a fairly low caloric value, but high nutritional value. If we consider how many calories pork tongue contains, we can conclude that it is a dietary product. However, when including it in a dietary diet, you should consider the caloric content and the method of preparation of the delicacy. For such a diet, it is better to choose a fresh or frozen product, avoiding the purchase of a ready-made product. Boiled tongue is the most useful dish for the diet. It is enriched with protein, which provides long-lasting satiety, which prevents overeating and the appearance of a constant feeling of hunger.

Tongue will allow you to make a dietary diet delicious and healthy. When it is properly processed, you get a delicate and flavorful dish. Especially appreciated is the thickest part of the tongue, but the entire part has a tender and soft structure.

Is the pork tongue useful for diabetes

People who suffer from diabetes, it is possible to consume this subproduct in small quantities, as it provides regulation of blood glucose levels. Pork tongue is characterized by the presence of pyridoxine and cyanocobalamin in its composition. The deficiency of these substances in the patient's body reduces the sensitivity of the body's receptors to insulin. Still, experts recommend to give preference in the case of diabetes to beef tongue, considering it safer in this condition.

Pork tongue for pancreatitis and gastritis

In the presence of gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammation of the mucosa of the stomach or pancreas, you should refuse to eat this type of product. Due to the high level of cholesterol in it, various negative effects can appear. For example, cholesterol plaques can form on the walls of blood vessels, which increases the likelihood of stroke and heart attack.

Harm and contraindications

In addition to a number of useful properties, pork delicacy also has some contraindications. This is due to the fact that it contains a large amount of cholesterol. For this reason, the by-product is contraindicated in the presence of diseases of the digestive tract, atherosclerosis, liver pathology. It should also be noted that pork tongue has a high content of histamine, which often leads to the development of allergic reactions.

If necessary, pork tongue can be replaced with beef tongue. So, in terms of chemical composition these two products are similar, as for the fat, there is much less of it in the beef dainty. In addition, the beef product is not capable of causing allergies.

How to choose and store

Choosing a pork tongue, you should definitely pay attention directly to the color of the product and its structure. He should in any case be dense and quite elastic. To check the freshness of the tongue, you should put a little pressure on it. If the by-product quickly returns to its original appearance, it means that it is fresh, but if after pressing it remained dent, it is better to refuse such a purchase, because it indicates spoilage.

The color of the delicacy plays an important role. Fresh tongue should have a dark and rich color; the hue can vary from bright red to burgundy-purple. The presence of purple color indicates that the product contains a very large amount of iron.

You should not use tongue that has a gray color. If cloudy drops of incomprehensible liquid appear on the product, such purchase should be rejected.

Before sending the by-product for storage, it should be thoroughly washed and wrapped in food film. Such a delicacy should be used within a day. If you need a longer storage, it can be sent to the freezer.

Boiled pork tongue is stored in the refrigerator for no more than three days if an airtight container is used.

How to distinguish beef and veal tongue from pork tongue

It is very difficult to distinguish between these two types of tongue, especially if you do not have any experience in such matters. First of all, it should be noted that the beef byproduct is larger in size, but if the animal was small, again it becomes problematic to distinguish it from the pig's delicacy. Experts advise to pay attention to the time it takes to cook. For example, two hours are enough to cook pork tongue, while beef or veal delicacy cooks for four hours.

The fibers of veal product are denser, it has a smell of meat. Pork delicatessen, on the other hand, has a softer texture and may not have the smell of meat. The difference between the two is also in cost. Pork product in this case will be cheaper. As for by-products in the cooked state, there is almost no difference.

Can it be frozen

In old freezers, pork tongue can be stored for no more than two months. In modern devices, however, the temperature can be even below -18 degrees, which allows you to save the useful qualities of the product for seven months. It is recommended for ease of storage to divide the meat into several pieces and wrap in clingfilm. Repeated freezing of the product is prohibited.

How to clean the pork tongue

Before cleaning the pork tongue, it is recommended to initially soak for a few hours in warm water. After that, a metal brush or hard sponge should be used for cleaning. Next, it is necessary to rinse the meat with water. To make it easier to remove the skin from the tongue, you can put it for 5 minutes in boiling water, and then immediately put it in a bowl with ice water. Such a sharp difference in temperature will ensure quick removal of the skin from the meat. After removing the top layer, you need to cook the delicacy until tender.

How and how much to cook pork tongue until cooked

This organ weighs about 300-400 g. In such meat, there are no coarse fibers, due to which the product is easily digested and perfectly absorbed by the body. But to make the tongue after cooking it is soft and juicy, it should be boiled for one and a half to three hours. The duration of cooking depends on the age of the animal, the younger it is, the less time it takes to cook.

Before cooking, you should first soak the organ in cool water. At the same time, it is recommended to change the liquid regularly, so that it does not have time to heat up. After that, the tongue should be thoroughly rinsed. From the moment of boiling, boil the delicacy for 15-20 minutes and drain the resulting broth. Next, cook in pure liquid. This will allow obtaining a transparent broth. Salt the pork offal only half an hour before it is ready. While cooking you should add various spices to make the tongue tasty and fragrant.

To check the readiness of the delicacy, you need to pierce it with a knife. The appearance of transparent liquid indicates that the dish is ready, it can be removed from the stove.

What can be cooked from pork tongue: recipes

With the proper processing and cooking of the tongue, you already get a full and healthy dish. But at the same time there are many recipes with the addition of such an ingredient. Since such meat does not contain intercellular fluid and fiber, the dainty retains its soft and tender texture even after cooking.

Salad

Pork tongue makes a very hearty salad. It uses simple ingredients that, when combined, open up the flavor of the by-product in a new way. So, to prepare the salad you need a pig tongue, 4 chicken eggs, 2-3 pickled cucumbers, 150 grams of mushrooms, the same amount of hard cheese and Greek yogurt, which will act as a dressing.

You should first prepare the meat. Peel the tongue, boil it and let it cool. Next, chop boiled eggs, tongue and cucumbers. Mushrooms should be chopped and fried in oil until they become golden. After that, combine all elements in a bowl, dress with yogurt, grate cheese and mix thoroughly. If desired, you can decorate the dish with herbs. Mayonnaise can be used instead of yogurt.

Stuffing

To prepare everyone's favorite cold appetizer, it is not necessary to have certain culinary talents. Jalvina can be made very quickly. So, in just a few minutes you can prepare a great dish for the festive table.

You will need 1 pork tongue, 1 carrot, 1 celery, 0.4 l of water, spices to taste, herbs and gelatin.

All the components must first be boiled, cooled and cut into small pieces. The resulting broth to strain and bring to a boil. Now soak the gelatin in a small amount of water for 15 minutes, after which add it to the main mass. Spread the chopped ingredients evenly in a deep bowl and pour the cooled broth over them. After that, sprinkle the dish with greenery and send it to the fridge for a few hours.

Soup

To make a delicious soup, you will need 1 pig tongue, 2 potatoes, 1 onion, 300 g of cauliflower, 1 red bell bell pepper, a few cloves of garlic, bay leaf, black pepper in peas and salt to taste.

First you need to prepare the pork tongue for cooking. Rinse it thoroughly under the faucet, boil it for 15-20 minutes. After that, change the water, add onion, bayroot and peppercorns. Then put the pot with the stock on the stove and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours.

After that, you need to take the meat out of the broth, cut it into pieces and put it back into the pot with broth. At the same time, remove the onion, bay leaf and black pepper from the liquid. Now dress the soup with vegetables. Peel the potatoes and carrots and chop them. Vegetables also send to the pot of soup and cook until half-cooked. At the same time, add the cabbage cut into julienne strips and sweet peppers.

Next, cook the dish until all ingredients are ready. At the end of the soup you can season with salt and other spices to taste. Once ready, pour the dish into bowls and serve.

Shish kebab

From pork tongue you can even fry a kebab. You will need 1 kg of this meat, 50 ml of olive oil, 1 bell pepper, onion and tomato. It is also necessary to prepare half a lemon and spices to taste.

First, you need to prepare the by-product. Wash the tongue, remove the fatty parts. Then place the product in a saucepan with so much water that the tongue is completely immersed in the liquid, and bring to a boil over moderate heat. Boil the meat for about half an hour. After that, take it out of the boiling water and put it in very cold water for 5-10 seconds. Such a procedure will make it easy to clean the delicacy from the skin. After that, let the tongue cool.

Squeeze the juice from the lemon, add the oil and pepper and mix. After that, cut the boiled pork tongue into 2-centimeter-thick pieces and immerse them in the resulting marinade for an hour. Next, wash the tomato and cut it into thick circles. Pepper and onion also chop. Now all that is left is to thread the marinated tongue on skewers, alternating it with tomato, onion rings and pepper. Roast such a kebab over the coals for 20 minutes. At the same time you should periodically turn the skewers with meat.

How to cook it in the oven

Pork tongue can also be cooked in the oven. For this you need to prepare 400 g of this meat, half a lemon, a few garlic cloves, 20 ml of vegetable oil, as well as salt and spices - to taste.

First you need to wash the tongue under running water, and then clean it with a knife. It is worth noting that it is much more difficult to clean the product in its raw form, compared to boiled meat. But if you still want to cook it in the oven, you will need to peel the raw subproduct.

Next, you need to crush garlic, squeeze the juice of ½ lemon. After that, mix lemon squeeze, crushed garlic mass and oil in a small container. Include salt and your favorite spices. Cover the bowl with the marinade and the tongue and leave in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. After that, place the meat in a special baking sleeve, securing it on both sides. Using a toothpick, make punctures in several places on the foil. This is done so that the steam could escape, otherwise the high pressure could burst the bag.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees, and then put it in a tray with the pig's tongue. The dish will be ready in an hour and a half. Serve the baked byproduct both hot and cold. Before serving, cut it into thin slices and neatly arrange.

Can I give my dog pork tongue?

It is believed that you should not give your pets pork. In addition to the fact that it is greasy, various parasites can get into the animal's body, transmit diseases of viral and infectious origin. Although some owners still feed their dogs pork tongue. If you do give the pet such meat, it must first be boiled, in raw form to feed the dog pork can not.