Meat
raw pork jowl.
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freePeanut-freeSoy-freeEgg-freeShellfish-freeHoney-freeAlcohol-freeHalalKosher
ALSO KNOWN AS
pork jowl
SERVING
CALORIES
655
PROTEIN
6.4g
CARBS
0g
FAT
69.6g
FIBER
0g
NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g
Everything in this ingredient.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Calories655kcal—
Protein6.4g13%
Carbohydrates0g0%
Fiber0g0%
Sugar0g0%
Total fat69.6g89%
Saturated fat25.3g126%
Cholesterol90mg30%
Water22.2g—
MINERALS
Sodium25mg1%
Potassium148mg3%
Calcium4.0mg0%
Iron0.42mg2%
Magnesium3.0mg1%
Phosphorus86mg7%
Zinc0.84mg8%
Copper0.04mg4%
Manganese0.01mg0%
Selenium1.5µg3%
VITAMINS
Vitamin A3.0µg0%
Vitamin C0mg0%
Vitamin E0.29mg2%
Thiamin (B1)0.39mg33%
Riboflavin (B2)0.24mg18%
Niacin (B3)4.5mg28%
Pantothenic acid (B5)0.25mg5%
Vitamin B60.09mg5%
Folate (B9)1.0µg0%
Vitamin B120.82µg34%
%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.
MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS
How much is what.
1 cup145g
1 tablespoon9g
1 oz28.4g
1 lb453.6g
HEALTH BENEFITS
Why eat it.
- ✓Rich source of complete protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
- ✓Provides B vitamins, particularly Niacin (B3) and Vitamin B12, which support energy metabolism and nervous system function.
- ✓Contains a high amount of monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which can be beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation.
- ✓A natural source of collagen, which supports skin elasticity and joint health after being broken down through slow cooking.
COOKING TIPS
In the kitchen.
- 1Ideal for slow-cooking methods like braising or stewing, which breaks down the tough connective tissue and renders the fat, resulting in a tender, flavorful meat.
- 2Pork jowl is the traditional cut used to make guanciale. It can be cured with salt and spices and then air-dried for use in dishes like pasta carbonara.
- 3Slice thinly and pan-fry or grill like bacon for a crispy, rich treat.
- 4Render the fat by dicing the jowl and cooking it slowly over low heat. The resulting lard is excellent for frying, and the crispy bits (cracklings) can be used as a garnish.
STORAGE
Keep it fresh.
- Refrigerate raw pork jowl immediately in a sealed container or its original packaging at 40°F (4°C) or below and use within 3-5 days.
- For long-term storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freezer paper or a freezer-safe bag, and freeze at 0°F (-18°C) for up to 6 months.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Is pork jowl healthy?
Pork jowl is very high in fat and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, it is a rich source of B vitamins like Niacin and B12, and its high collagen content can support skin and joint health when prepared through slow-cooking methods.
How much fat and protein are in pork jowl?
Per 100g, raw pork jowl contains approximately 69.61g of fat and 6.38g of protein. With 655 calories per 100g, it is considered a high-fat energy source rather than a lean protein.
Is pork jowl keto-friendly?
Yes, pork jowl is highly keto-friendly because it contains zero carbohydrates and a very high fat-to-protein ratio. It is an excellent choice for those looking to increase their healthy fat intake while maintaining ketosis.
Is pork jowl gluten-free?
Raw pork jowl is naturally gluten-free as it is a pure animal product. If purchasing pre-cured or marinated jowl, ensure you check the ingredient label for any additives or flavorings that may contain gluten.
How do you cook raw pork jowl?
Pork jowl is best cooked slowly through braising or smoking to render the fat and soften the connective tissue. Alternatively, it can be sliced thin and pan-fried like bacon until crispy, which is a popular preparation in many cuisines.
What does pork jowl taste like?
Pork jowl has a flavor profile similar to bacon but with a richer, more intense 'porky' taste. It has a unique, silky texture due to the high fat content and becomes pleasantly chewy or crispy depending on the cooking method.
Can I substitute pork jowl with bacon?
Yes, pork belly bacon is the most common substitute for pork jowl. While the jowl has a higher fat content and a slightly different texture, both provide the salty, savory fat needed for dishes like pasta carbonara or seasoned greens.
How do you store raw pork jowl?
Store raw pork jowl in the coldest part of your refrigerator, wrapped tightly in its original packaging or an airtight container. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 6 months without significant loss of quality.
How long does raw pork jowl last in the refrigerator?
Raw pork jowl typically stays fresh for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. If the meat develops a sour smell, a slimy film, or a greyish tint, it has likely spoiled and should be discarded.
Is pork jowl the same as Guanciale?
Guanciale is a specific type of Italian cured meat made from pork jowl. While raw pork jowl is the base ingredient, Guanciale has been rubbed with salt and spices and aged for several weeks to develop its distinct, concentrated flavor.
