Christmas Pig Pickin’ at the farmhouse

December 24, 2021

The smell of smoked wood wafts through the farm before the sun rises on the day of the pig pickin’. At and the boys get up around four o’ clock to start the fire and put the pig on the pit. It is one of those days here where you could have stepped out of bed and back in time. A long held southern tradition being recreated for another generation.

The pig cooks slow on the pit the whole day, while family gathers to swap stories and history. The smell of the barbeque and smoke linger keeping everyone excited about the next step. The men keep the fire hot and add coals throughout the day. Everyone enjoys appetizers and gathering around the pit and fire. Around four o’ clock, they turn the pig, and everyone gathers. The kids get excited asking questions and peering forward to see the whole hog, while the adults have flash backs of years of others gathering around to turn the hog. After its seasoned well again, and sauces are poured over, everyone gathers to taste. It is a distinct taste that is much more succulent than barbeque you would order at any restaurant. The mouth watering vinegar and pepper spices mixed with the slow cooked pig over wood is culinary perfection for a crowd who has waited all day for a taste. Everyone grabs ribs and tender pieces of meat picked from wherever they choose. One of the kids grabs the tail, and all of the kids laugh about who would dare eat it.

After the pig pickin’ from the pit, the family fixes plates to sit down for dinner to savor the barbeque and sides. The pig pickin’ every year isn’t just about the savory barbeque, it is a tradition passed down to connect us to our roots and to remind us to embrace the distinct beauty created through this southern tradition.