Pork Belly: An Excellent yet Overlooked Source of Collagen

To the untrained eye, pork belly might appear to be just a chunk of fat and skin. However, once it is cut open, the layers of fat and meat reveal an entirely different story. A layer of collagen-rich meat lies beneath that layer of fat. When cooked, this meat will be soft and juicy. We went to Dandy Lane Cafe’s butcher shop and warehouse to find out how pork belly gets into their tasty dishes and understand how this process works.

Collagen is a protein that has gained immense popularity in recent years, with collagen supplements, powders and infused foods saturating the wellness market This ingredient has been proven to support skin, bone, joint, and digestive health While supplements can be helpful, one of the most effective and delicious ways to increase collagen intake is through your diet. You may be surprised to learn that pork belly is one of the best dietary sources of collagen available.

In this article, we will explore why collagen is so crucial for the body how pork belly provides an abundance of this protein and tips for cooking pork belly to maximize its collagen content. Let’s dive into why this flavorful cut deserves a regular spot on your plate as part of a collagen-boosting lifestyle.

Why Collagen Matters

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up 30% of total protein. It is the glue that holds the body together, providing structure and elasticity to the skin, strength to bones and muscles, cushioning for joints, and lining for the digestive tract.

Collagen production starts declining around age 25, causing common signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging skin, brittle nails, stiff joints, weakened bones and muscle mass loss. Therefore, finding ways to increase collagen intake can help combat these age-related declines.

Clinical studies have shown supplemental collagen peptides reduce signs of skin aging, increase skin elasticity and hydration, support bone mineral density, reduce joint pain, and improve gut integrity.

Pork Belly is Packed with Collagen

Pork belly is an ideal way to consume more collagen, as it is one of the richest natural sources of the protein. Belly comes from the underside of the pig, where collagen is abundant in the skin, fat, sinew, and connective tissues.

According to studies, pork belly contains 11-17% collagen by weight, with higher fat bellies having the most. This varies across the cut, with the highest amounts found in areas near the skin and bones. For comparison, chicken collagen content is estimated around 1-10%.

When cooking pork belly, the goal is to break down tough connective tissues over low, moist heat to extract and gelatinize this bountiful collagen content. Methods like braising, stewing, and sous vide excel at this collagen conversion.

Maximizing Collagen in Your Pork Belly Recipes

Here are some tips for getting the most ample, bioavailable collagen from pork belly:

Choose fattier bellies, ideally over 30% fat. This indicates more skin, connective tissue and collagen.
Opt for skin-on belly. The skin is loaded with collagen fibers that will melt into the meat.
Slow cook for extended periods at low temperatures, ideally 300°F or under. This gives time for collagen to solubilize into consumable gelatin.
Braise, stew, or sous vide for at least 2-3 hours. These moist methods extract collagen efficiently.
Roast bone-in belly. The bones and joints release collagen during roasting.
Avoid very high heat like grilling. This can damage or destroy collagen structures.
When pan crisping already-cooked belly, keep the heat moderate to preserve gelatinized collagen.

Delicious Recipes to Boost Your Collagen with Pork Belly

Here are some tasty ways to use pork belly’s ample collagen content:

Ramen: Top this Japanese noodle soup with braised or roasted pork belly. The collagen-rich broth and meat make it extra nourishing.
Congee: Adding pork belly to this Chinese rice porridge provides collagen as well as healthy fats to balance the carbohydrates.
Tacos: Chop up some sous vide or braised pork belly and serve in warm tortillas for easy collagen-filled tacos.
Stir Fry: Throw thin slices of raw pork belly into a veggie stir fry. It cooks quickly while releasing collagen.
Dumplings: Ground pork belly makes an excellent collagen-packed filling for tasty homemade dumplings.
Beans: Braise pork belly with beans like pinto or cannellini. The meat infuses the beans with hearty collagen.

Maximize your dietary collagen intake by regularly cooking with pork belly. Focus on preparation methods that convert its abundant connective tissues into gelatin, making the collagen content readily available. With simple recipes that highlight its flavor and nutrition, pork belly can become a collagen-boosting staple.

does pork belly have collagen

What is a Pork Belly?

A pork belly is the same thing as ‘bacon. ’ Technically, bacon is made with pork bellies. On the outside, the pork belly has a lot of fat and skin. Inside, it has a lot of connective tissue and not much lean meat. The lean meat in a pork belly is only slightly tender. The fat and connective tissue are what make the pork belly meat tender.

Pork belly is not just an ingredient. It is a way of life. It is a declaration that we will not settle for less than what is best. We love pork belly because it tastes amazing. It is tender and juicy and flavorful. But we love pork belly because it comes from our love for the earth and all the people that live on it. We love pork belly because it helps us make a difference in the lives of others and ourselves.

The Secret to the Tenderness of Pork Belly

The secret to tenderness comes from the collagen in the meat. Collagen is a protein that is broken down when the pork belly is cooked. This results in the pork becoming tender and juicy. The best way to achieve this is to cook the pork belly in a low-temperature, moist environment. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 82-85 degrees Celsius but never exceed 100 degrees Celsius. If the pork is cooked to 100 degrees Celsius, the collagen will be hydrolyzed and turned into gelatin. This will result in the pork losing its juicy texture and becoming rubbery.

Health benefits of Pork: Is it even healthy?

FAQ

Which part of pork has the most collagen?

The muscles in a pig’s leg work hard to carry around its full weight, so the ham contains more collagen than other parts of the pig. The collagens melt away through proper cooking, but this cut does take longer to prepare than less worked meat.

Is pork a good source of collagen?

Meats such as pork, lamb, and beef Animals use collagen in their bodies the same way we do. They need it for their skin, bones, ligaments, and tendons. That being said, meat is high in collagen. These high-protein meats contain natural collagen, as well as the amino acids needed to produce collagen.

Is pork belly healthier than bacon?

Is pork belly healthier than bacon? Bacon contains smoke flavor, preservatives (like nitrates), and added ingredients that may not be considered part of a healthy diet. If you’re trying to eat more naturally, pork belly may make a better choice.

What is special about pork belly?

Pork Belly is the boneless cut that remains after the loin and spareribs are removed. Pork belly comes from a hog’s belly’ or underside after the loin and spareribs have been removed. Fresh pork belly is succulent and richly flavorful and is often served in small portions.

Does pork have collagen?

Also, gelatinous cuts of pork contain large amounts of pre-formed collagen. Research demonstrates that consuming sufficient dietary collagen helps to strengthen and keep hair, skin and joints healthy ( 14, 15 ). Key Point: Collagen and glycine can help to improve skin health, and greater glycine intake may have potential longevity benefits.

Is pork belly good for your skin?

Consuming collagen-rich foods like pork belly can contribute to the overall health and elasticity of your skin and may have anti-aging benefits. The presence of fat in pork belly enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Does pork belly contain fat?

The presence of fat in pork belly enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins require dietary fats for optimal absorption, and pork belly can provide the necessary fat content to support the absorption process.

Is pork belly a good source of protein?

Pork belly is a good source of protein, which is essential for various bodily functions. Protein aids in muscle growth, repair, and maintenance, supports the immune system, and helps regulate hormones. Including pork belly as part of a balanced diet can contribute to meeting your daily protein needs.