Post by iris on Feb 5, 2012 12:49:01 GMT -5
When the area I'm from was first settled, there wasn't much clear land for cattle and other range animals. Families would have a milk cow but not usually more for lack of clear land to support them. So, pigs were the the rule of the day. They didn't need a lot of space, they grew fast and would eat just about anything making them very practical. Not to mention the uses the substantial fats could be put to. That's why pork is so prevalent in Appalachian cooking. Although now, since the land has been stripped of many many trees and grasslands are available, beef is prized. I'd guess that's a hold over from the times it was rare.
