If you make stock, cook liver or render your own fat, put those items on your processing order. Don’t assume they’ll come back with the main cuts.

Start with what you’ll use. A manageable bag of stock bones is more useful than several bags that stay buried in the freezer.

Ask for each item by name

  • Liver or other organs: name each organ you want.
  • Stock bones: tell us you plan to make stock.
  • Raw pork fat: request it separately from skin and other saved items. Skin can be returned only from scalded hogs.

The available items and preparation differ by species. A poultry giblet request is not the same as a hog variety-meat order, and the rabbit options should be confirmed for the actual appointment. Review the relevant Underground Processing service information while preparing the cut sheet.

For example, a household planning a monthly stock batch may prefer a manageable quantity of bones it can store and use. That is more practical than accepting several large bags without freezer space or a cooking plan.

Use handling guidance for the item

Do not assume the temperature recommendation for a pork chop also covers pork organs. USDA’s pork guidance recommends 160°F for organ and variety meats. Poultry giblets require 165°F. Use a thermometer and the guidance appropriate to the actual product. USDA pork guidance, FoodSafety.gov cooking chart.

Keep raw items contained during storage and preparation. Separate packaging and clear identification make it easier to choose the right handling instructions later.

Give stock and fat a storage plan

Bones can support a stock-making project, but making stock and making shelf-stable canned stock are different jobs. For canning, follow a tested procedure that covers your product, such as the National Center for Home Food Preservation’s meat-stock instructions.

Raw fat also needs a plan before you collect it. Decide whether you will use it promptly or store it for a later rendering project. Underground Processing does not offer lard rendering or cracklins. Raw-fat requests are for material you plan to use or render yourself.

Check your saved-item list beside the main cut sheet. Confirm what’s available for your species and choose packages you can handle without thawing the whole supply at once.