What Are Pig Hocks?

A ham hock or pork knuckle is the joint between the tibia/fibula and the metatarsals of the foot of a pig, where the foot was attached to the hog's leg. It is the portion of the leg that is neither part of the ham proper nor the ankle or foot, but rather the extreme shank end of the leg bone.

What are pork hocks used for?

Pork hock is a very inexpensive and tough piece of meat that is loaded with connective tissue, ligaments and muscle fibers. When cooked low and slow, however, it yields fork-tender meat and a very flavorful broth that is useful for making stews and soups. Pork hocks are available either smoked or unsmoked.

Are pork hocks the same as ham hocks?

What is Pork Hock? Unlike the ham hock, the pork hock can be taken from both the back and the pork meat's front legs. A pork hock is rich in fats, and it is the hardest part of the pork meat. A pork hock is a combination of fiber, connective tissues, and ligaments.