A few days ago, if someone asked me if I wanted some pickled pigs lips, I would have assumed a gag was afoot. So when I spotted this gallon jug sitting on the condiments counter at a convenience store off I-10 last weekend on the way to New Orleans, right next to the mayonnaise and mustard and pickled jalopenos, my jaw dropped. As a Lousianian, I shouldn’t have been astonished, because our region is known for exotic fare. Pickled pigs feet, for instance, couldn’t be much different than pickled pigs lips.
To eat, or not eat this stuff? Aside from the aesthetic objection to the anatomical portion of the hog, the nutritional facts on the product label provide compelling reasons for leaving the pickled pig lips in the jar. A single pig lip (the serving size is described on the label as “1 average piece,” suggesting either an upper or a lower lip) packs a walloping 140 calories, 100 of which come from fat–not a good ratio. The next detail follows suit: 11 grams of fat laden with 60 milligrams of cholesterol. So much for a healthy snack. And the analysis so far doesn’t even consider the high sodium content ( the product is pickled in briny vinegar).
And how does one consume pigs lips? Like an an ordinary pickle, clasping it with index finger to thumb, pinkie extended? Is the entire lip edible, or does one gnaw off the tender meat on the outside and discard the cartiliginous core? (Ugh!) Does a lip between two crackers make a salty sandwich? What happens if one tosses a lip with a teaspoon or two of the brine into the bowl to enliven a serving of gumbo or etoufee?
Enough, enough! My distaste swells into disgust. Personally, I just don’t have enough curiosity to perform any of these abominable experiments. However, I do invite him or her who is so curious (or who is perhaps already a consumer of pig lips) to post a comment sharing personal experiences, recipes, or recommendations for consumption.
Meanwhile, at the end of the day, if I want a pickle, I’ll simply have a dill.
As a kid I recall a jar or two of pickled pigs feet in our kitchen as a “special treat” when an extra $1 or so was given to someone (usually Mama)!?!?! At her insistance I did try them several times over the years and when nice and cold from the frig found something about them causing me to “try again” on a TINY tidbit bite! I never remember relishing the opportunities however, and as best I can remember trying them only once since leaving home and that was when Bob and I moved back to Louisiana some 45 years ago and I bought some to “show him and allow him the experience”! As best I can remember, he looked and voted “No thank you”. I think I tasted a bite or two from that jar and that ended my “try me– you’ll like it” with pickled pigs feet. LIPS!!! Not even gonna give those a try!!
Are you kidding? Pig lips are great! I eat an entire jar every single morning for breakfast. It’ll raise your spirits and put hair on your chest. LOL! No, just kidding. I’ve eaten all kinds of things but something about that jar full of pig lips makes me wanna gag.
I am from Mississippi and it has always been a treat when my dad and I went to the corner store for me to grab a pickled pigs feet or lip. I love them as a kid and even so now as a 35 year old adult. I moved to Michigan a couple of years ago and I get my dad to ship me a jar of the lips or feet every now and then since I can’t get them in Michigan. It usually takes me a couple of months to eat a whole jar but it is a craving that I haven’t been able to shake!
Hoghead cheese maybe? Pickled pig lips-absolutely not!
if you like pickled sausage like Hot Mama’s ,Fat boys,Pickle Pete’s,,they are found with the pepperoni sticks,beef jerky and other snack meat sticks. you’ll love pickle pig lips.there is alot of meat some grissle and a pucker up twanging flavor,and a slice a white bread ,a cold beer,and you’s eating good, in other countrys,no part of a animal is wasted,,so before you knock it try it,stop thinking about gaggin, and be more open minded,,I’m sure it wont be the first time most of you put something new in your mouth and and liked it,,lol
HEY I’M TIRED OF Y’ALL TALKIN BOUT MY PIG LIPS OR ANY OTHER THING ON THE PIG, THERE’S FOUR THANGS I DON’T EAT OFF DA PIG AN DAT IS ( TEETH, HAIR, TOE NAILS, AN BONES) AN BOUT TO ORDER A JAR OF LIPS NOW.
I’m currently sitting in a roundhouse hotel in Spain. For my dinner, I’ve just had a dish made from pig’s lips in a tomato sauce. Please, if you ever think of trying this yourself take this tip – DON’T GO THERE! Omg how will I sleep.
Love them put them in a bag and lays potato chips so good
This white boy loves pickled pig lips. True Cajun here.