What are pork scratchings?

Pork scratchings are those classic snacks that you’ll find at any local pub made from pig skin (raw pork rind). It’s entirely made from salted and deep fried pork skin. Pork scratchings are just over a century-old and have become the tasty snack we know today. Made by deep-frying pork skin from a pig’s shank. What is a pigs shank you ask? It’s the top portion of a pig's hind leg. 

Pork scratchings are a type of pork snack that are particularly durable due to their one-time cooking process that provides them with an even harder and crunchier texture than its porky  cousins. Since they have a natural pork flavour, only a little seasoning is required, with salt usually added.

How to make pork scratchings? 

Pork scratchings are made from pig skin. Once cleaned, they are boiled until soft. Once the skin is soft they are allowed to cool before the fat is removed. 

The skin is then sliced into small pieces and placed onto a baking tray and cooked in the oven until crispy golden brown. Once ready, they are seasoned with salt to deliver the classic meat snacks we all know and love. 

However, when it comes to Flavoured Pork Scratchings, here at The Chuckling Cheese Company, we don’t settle for ordinary seasoning. We have taken it to the next level by infusing our Pork Scratchings with unique flavours that will knock your socks off! 

The history of pork scratchings 

Classic pub snacks like pork scratchings have been part of British pub culture for as long as we can remember. They have become the most commonly chosen pub snack in all of Britain because they pair perfectly with a pint of beer, but where did it all start?  

Pork scratchings and crackling were predominantly made in the West Midlands, in the Black Country, and they are still made there to this day. Evidence suggests that our most loved pub snacks were consumed as far back as the early 1800s. During this time, when food was scarce, families who kept their own pigs at home ensured nothing of the pig was ever wasted by creating the famous pork scratching.

Local butchers soon began selling pork scratchings and then later came to sell crackling in the 1930s, sometimes freshly made hot, or cold in a paper bag seasoned with salt. It has now become the popular meat snack we all love and enjoy today. 

 

What is pork crackling? 

Sometimes the terms pork scratching, pork crackling, and pork rinds, can confuse many people. They might look the same but it’s how they are made that determines the name. For example, pork crackling is a lighter meat snack made by taking the pig skin from either the shoulder or the shank, and fried twice. Although, the second time is more of a quick fry that causes the skin to inflate, adding air, making the crackling lighter and crunchier than ordinary pork scratchings. 

What is pork rind? 

Out of the three, pork rind is the lightest and made in a similar way to pork crackling. Pork Rind is cooked twice but the second time at a much higher temperature which inflates the pork skin even more, turning the meat snack like a cheese quaver. Because pork rinds are inflated even more, they have a greater surface area meaning they can hold huge amounts of seasoning and additional flavour. 

Are pork scratchings bad for you? 

Pork scratchings are high in fat and calories which makes them a snack that should be consumed in moderation. However, pork scratchings are also high in protein which makes them a good snack for athletes or anyone wanting to build muscle. 

What are the health benefits of pork scratchings? 

While pork scratchings are not exactly a superfood, they do have some health benefits! They are jam packed with high levels of protein, which is essential for building and repairing damaged muscle tissue. Pork scratchings are also a good source of essential fatty acids, which are important for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. 

However, pork scratchings are low in carbohydrates making them the ideal snack for people following a low-carb diet like keto. Meaning it’s important to remember that they must be consumed in moderation. For more information, check out our blog - Why pork scratchings are the healthier option.