Pork featherbones, also known as pork membranes, are a by-product of pork processing. They are thin, translucent membranes that surround the ribs and backbone of pigs. Featherbones get their name from their light, feathery texture.
Where do pork featherbones come from?
Featherbones are part of the pork rib cage. They are a thin, fibrous membrane that connects the ribs to the backbone. When a pig carcass is processed for meat, the featherbones are removed along with the ribs and backbones.
Featherbones come from the rib area and along the length of the backbone. They cover the spaces between each rib and vertebra. When removed from the carcass, featherbones come away in thin sheets or ribbons.
What are pork featherbones used for?
Although featherbones are edible, they are rarely consumed directly as food. More often, pork featherbones are used as a source of collagen.
Collagen is a protein found abundantly in connective tissues like skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones. It is valued for its gelling properties and is used to make gelatin, bone broth, and other food products.
The collagen in pork featherbones can be extracted through boiling, simmering, or hydrolysis. The collagen is then dried and ground into powder to be used as an additive or supplement.
Some common uses of pork featherbone collagen include:
- Gelatin desserts like Jello
- Marshmallows
- Thickening agent for soups, stews, and sauces
- Collagen supplements
- Bone broth or stock
The collagen from featherbones produces a high-quality, flavorless gelatin. Food manufacturers often blend pork and beef collagen sources to achieve the desired gelling properties in their products.
Nutrition of pork featherbones
Since they are mostly collagen, pork featherbones are high in protein but low in fat and calories. Their nutritional value depends on how thoroughly they are processed to extract the collagen.
A 3.5 ounce (100 gram) serving of raw pork featherbones contains (source):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 87 |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Calcium | 25 mg |
Collagen itself is broken down into amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline during digestion. These amino acids play important roles in building and repairing connective tissues throughout the body.
Are pork featherbones healthy?
Pork featherbones are highly nutritious as a source of protein and collagen. Consuming collagen may provide health benefits like:
- Supporting skin, hair, nail, and joint health
- Helping control inflammation
- Promoting wound healing
- Improving digestion
- Protecting cardiovascular health
Collagen supplements have grown in popularity in recent years due to these potential effects. However, more research is still needed on the efficacy and optimal dosing of collagen supplements.
Pork featherbones themselves contain little fat or carbohydrates. They can be part of a healthy diet, providing protein without excess calories or cholesterol.
Risks or dangers of pork featherbones
There are minimal risks associated with consuming pork featherbones or collagen:
- Allergies: Some people are allergic to collagen from pork, beef, or fish sources. Allergy symptoms may include hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
- High purine content: Collagen is high in purines, which people with gout or kidney stones may need to limit.
- Contaminants: As with any animal product, pork collagen could contain traces of antibiotics, diseases, or heavy metals if not properly sourced and processed.
Talk to your doctor before taking collagen supplements if you have allergies or gout concerns.
When consuming food products containing pork featherbone collagen like gelatin, be sure they come from a reputable source. Look for brands that source and process the pork safely.
Conclusion
Pork featherbones are a by-product of pork processing that provide an excellent source of collagen. Most of the collagen is extracted and used to make gelatin, supplements, broths, and other products.
Although not commonly eaten directly, pork featherbones are highly nutritious, providing protein, amino acids, and collagen. Collagen offers many potential health benefits related to skin, joint, gut, and heart health.
Products containing pork featherbone collagen are generally safe, with a low risk of allergies or contaminants. collagen can be a healthy part of a balanced diet, especially for obtaining anti-inflammatory and connective tissue-supporting amino acids.