pork ribs too inconsitent flavor wise, idea?

[smokesignals]

Just wonder if anyone else has noticed that when cooking pork spare ribs the flavor of the meat is often inconsistent. What I mean is sometimes the ribs are really wonderful,somewhat bacony or hammy and juicy and at other times they are very bland and plain tasting. Using the same cooker and spices techniques ect each time.

I find it the same regardless of brand. We have an upcoming local contest and would like to know what some of you pro's use (brand)? Do any of you buy from out of town/state and have them shipped or does that make much difference anyway?

I have a theory: I think what the hog is fed is what makes the difference. I say that because everytime we cook a wild corn fed (deer lease) hog the meat flavor is excellent.


Is the meat at Sams any different than say HEB or any other big chain store?


Thanks

[Big Dan]

I've never bought meat at HEB so I can't speak for their meat. I have bought from Wal-mart and Sam's and I know that there is a difference in the meat. I know Wal-mart injects a salt solution into their meat to make them easier to cook.

I know most competition team cook several slabs, butts, briskets to compensate for the differences in meat taste.

[rstcso]

I am not a good rib-cooker, but I buy mine from Sam's. In our area, they are IBP brand and have 3 racks per cryovac package. They are not injected. If you buy a case (3 packages, 9 slabs), it is considerably cheaper.

[Red Hanky BBQ]

Smoke, The only time I end up with a "hammy" flavor is if the ribs have been injected or are "guaranteed tender" like Hormel products. Never had that problem with Costco ribs. I believe one of the guy’s on the board has the tag line - There shouldn't be an ingredients list on meat :lol: :lol:

[texasbill]

Smoke:
Well I agree with the other guys that the injection in ribs will give them a different taste. I only buy my ribs at Sams and have tried all of the other Chains like HEB. Don't waste your money on those ribs. Hormel I find to be terrible ribs.

Bill Cannon

[jshively]

I only goto Sams and buy uninjected ribs. Not paying for a fluffer piece of meat (Santa, Herper, Bucky wanna take this one?).

[Zeeman]

I like ribs once in a "blue moon" myself. Sam's tda only ribs I get, cases price baby :wink:
z

[TexLaw]

That hammy taste comes from the cure on the meat. That cure can come from an injection, a brine, a rub, or the smoke in your cooker.

Since we're talking about ribs, I don't see much in the way of an injection. A brine can come from the packager, as discussed above, unles you also brine your ribs. The rub and smoke come from you.

Do you change your rub or cooking technique around much (or notice a difference)? You might want to start a notebook, keep notes on difference circumstances of your cooks, and see if there is any correlation.


TL

[M38A1]

The brine or injection would be the most obvious culprit. But remember, flavor will also vary from pig to pig much like the briskets vary from one cow to another.

I've have my best luck with the Sams ribs also. Used to buy the single cryo-pacs, then went to a case last time for cost.

That's why so many people cook multiple racks or briskets for the comps in order to get the best of the bunch for turn-in.

[osd]

There could be a difference in taste in the pork itself. they are not all the same. I would think enhanced ribs may be another story. If every thing else is the same-one slab could taste different. Not all hogs are the same or what they are fed.
I buy them by the case at Sam's. best price going.

[cleglue]

Smokesignals,

I have had the same problem with ribs. I love ribs though. Even with the three packs one will taste different than the others. Sometimes they all taste different. Sometimes I open the pack and there will be a slight smell other times they smell fine. I've used all kinds and I have found this true of all the ribs I've smoked or grilled.

[Buckeye]

I only goto Sams and buy uninjected ribs. Not paying for a fluffer piece of meat (Santa, Herper, Bucky wanna take this one?).

:roll: Nope!

[Bad Santa]

What's wrong with fluffy meat?......more cushin' for the pushin'......

[Bad Santa]

The smell you get when opening those cryovac bags is the stale blood, it washes off when rinsed after removing from bag. The only problem with buying from Sam's in those 3 paks is that you are always gonna get a clinker thrown in there with 'em, that's why the sell by 3's, can't see the middle one until ya opens the bag......then surprise! :shock:

[smokesignals]

I dont remmeber ever buying "injected" ribs

Okay how about a favorite brand?

Smithfields is the one that seems more consistent in flavor to me.

Any others?

[Buckeye]

My Sam's stopped carry'n IBP's an replaced 'em with Farm Fresh an Smithfields fer a while. Now I don't noe whut brand they are push'n out tha door. They are still decent whutever tha brand iz. But I alwazed liked an preferred tha IBP's. 8)

[Thom Emery]

Farmer John Pork in the West very good product