Ribology 101

June 12, 2021
11:33 am

Do you know your pork ribs?

Here is a little summary of the different types of ribs and their characteristics.

First, it is important to note that the entire rib cage consists of three cuts: the baby backs, the spares, and the rib tips.

Back Ribs (also called loin ribs or baby back ribs), these tasty ribs are small and easy to hold. The baby back rib is the part of the rib that is highest on the pig and are connected to the backbone. Baby backs are considered by many to be the “white meat” of the rib. They are a little leaner and more tender than the spare ribs.

Spareribs (aka side ribs) are probably the most popular type of rib and when people refer to “ribs” there is a good chance they are talking about spare ribs. Spare ribs are flatter and straighter than baby back ribs. Some would say that spare ribs have richer, more flavorful meat than baby backs.

Rib Tips: rib tips in the past were discarded as waste but they have started to make a huge comeback. They are extra chewy, and are often served chopped into chunks.

BONUS RIBOLOGY…

St. Louis-Style Ribs: this rib cut is basically a spare rib trimmed up a little more. This cut of rib is preferred on the competition circuit, as it is neat and tidy for presentation. You most likely won’t come across these in the supermarket, they are a generally more of a “specialty” item. While the shape of the bone is essentially the same as the spare rib, the fact that they are trimmed up more makes them look more regular in shape than other types of rib.

Note: Country style ribs are not really ribs nor are ribblets.

So now that you know all about pork ribs, it is time to go out and get some for the BBQ this weekend. At Lococo’s they have a great sale on Pork Side Ribs for $3.49/lb. And don’t forget to smother these pork ribs with ZEG Sauces and follow our recipe for the best tasting ribs you will ever have!!!

Savour the Flavour!