Have you been to a pig roast lately? Probably not, if it’s New Jersey in the middle of winter. But if you’re somewhere warm (summer in New Jersey, for example), pig roasts are going on all over the place. This is one of the most popular style of barbeque, and it’s a well-known crowd pleaser. You might even be considering a whole pig roast for your next catered event, whether it’s a graduation party, wedding, corporate event, or family reunion.
There are a number of common misunderstandings and myths about pig roasts, and understanding them can actually elevate your changes of hosting a successful whole pig roast, whether now or in the future.
1. They’re all done underground
Whole pigs take a long time to roast. Depending on the method used, you’re looking at anywhere from 8 to 24 hours cooking time. What this usually means for real-life catering events is that the pig is roasted off-site and “finished and carved” at the actual event. It also means that many whole pigs are slow roasted in special gas ovens. If you assume that your pig was slow-roasted in a traditional pit, you might be in for a disappointment. Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting from your caterer.
2. The caterer is experienced with pig roasts
When it comes to getting the most out of your catered event, it’s best to steer clear of assumptions. Your caterer may seem confident about whole pig roasts, but how many have they successfully completed? What kind of equipment are they using? Are they getting their whole pigs from a quality, reputable source?
3. 100% of all guests are going to love them
It’s true that whole pig roasts are known for being a crowd-pleaser — but it’s not true that absolutely everyone likes pig roasts. In fact, experienced caterers will tell you that the occasional guest is offended by the presence of a whole roast pig. As an event organizer, it’s worthwhile to be aware of this possibility. The key is to keep things tasteful, and offer an array of menu choices for different palettes.
4. They’re too expensive
A whole roast pig is a luxurious touch for virtually any event, but that doesn’t mean it’s not economical. Pig roasts can actually deliver a very good value for the money when the entire menu is taken into account. Beware of choosing your caterer based on the lowest bid, however. Look for quality and experience before anything else. Your pig roast will likely turn out better than you’d hoped.
The real pig roasting professionals are out there!
Actually, it doesn’t take a whole lot of expertise to start offering whole pig roasts in a professional capacity. But finding a real professional — that is, a catering company who has the equipment, tools, experience and knowledge to roast a whole pig to perfection — will make a huge difference for your event. Avoid imitators and focus on catering companies who really know how whole pig roasts are done!