Meat
raw pork pancreas.
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freePeanut-freeSoy-freeEgg-freeShellfish-freeHoney-freeAlcohol-freeHalalKosher
ALSO KNOWN AS
pork pancreas
SERVING
CALORIES
219
PROTEIN
15.5g
CARBS
0g
FAT
17.3g
FIBER
0g
NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g
Everything in this ingredient.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Calories219kcal—
Protein15.5g31%
Carbohydrates0g0%
Fiber0g0%
Sugar0g0%
Total fat17.3g22%
Saturated fat6.3g32%
Trans fat0g—
Cholesterol260mg87%
Water66.2g—
MINERALS
Sodium68mg3%
Potassium260mg6%
Calcium9.0mg1%
Iron2.2mg12%
Magnesium18mg4%
Phosphorus240mg19%
Zinc2.5mg23%
Copper0.10mg11%
Manganese0.02mg1%
Selenium35µg64%
VITAMINS
Vitamin A0µg0%
Vitamin C13.7mg15%
Vitamin D0.50µg3%
Vitamin E0.20mg1%
Vitamin K0µg0%
Thiamin (B1)0.15mg13%
Riboflavin (B2)0.45mg35%
Niacin (B3)4.2mg26%
Pantothenic acid (B5)3.5mg70%
Vitamin B60.20mg12%
Folate (B9)4.0µg1%
Vitamin B1214µg583%
%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 oz28.4g
1 lb453.6g
1 piece180g
HEALTH BENEFITS
Why eat it.
- ✓Extremely rich source of digestive enzymes (lipase, protease, amylase), which are essential for breaking down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
- ✓Provides a high concentration of B vitamins, especially Vitamin B12, crucial for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
- ✓A good source of high-quality, complete protein, necessary for building and repairing tissues in the body.
- ✓Contains essential minerals like phosphorus for bone health and selenium, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
COOKING TIPS
In the kitchen.
- 1To reduce its strong, gamey flavor, soak the pancreas in milk or salted water for at least 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
- 2Pork pancreas must be cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure safety. It is not suitable for rare or medium-rare preparations.
- 3It can be thinly sliced and pan-fried with onions and garlic, or braised slowly in stews and broths to tenderize its texture.
- 4Due to its rich nature, pair it with acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or tomatoes to balance the flavor profile.
STORAGE
Keep it fresh.
- Store raw pork pancreas in the coldest part of the refrigerator (at or below 40°F / 4°C) in a sealed container and use within 1-2 days.
- For longer storage, freeze immediately. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag, where it can be stored at 0°F (-18°C) for up to 3 months.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Is raw pork pancreas healthy?
Yes, pork pancreas is a nutrient-dense organ meat. It is an excellent source of high-quality protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals like phosphorus and selenium, which support bone health and antioxidant defenses.
What are the primary health benefits of pork pancreas?
The most notable benefit is its high concentration of natural digestive enzymes, including lipase, protease, and amylase. These enzymes are essential for breaking down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, making it a popular supplement for those with digestive insufficiencies.
Is pork pancreas keto-friendly?
Yes, pork pancreas is ideal for a ketogenic or low-carb diet. It contains 0g of carbohydrates and provides 17.3g of fat and 15.5g of protein per 100g, helping to maintain ketosis while providing essential nutrients.
Can I eat pork pancreas raw?
While some people consume raw pancreas for its active enzymes, it carries a high risk of bacterial contamination or parasites like Trichinella. For human consumption, it is safest to cook it to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure food safety.
How do you cook pork pancreas?
Pork pancreas is often prepared similarly to sweetbreads. It is best when blanched first, then sliced and pan-seared or sautéed until crispy on the outside. It can also be added to slow-cooked stews or braises to soften its texture.
What does pork pancreas taste like?
Pork pancreas has a mild, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor that is less intense than liver or kidney. Its texture is soft and somewhat creamy when cooked properly, making it a delicacy in many traditional cuisines.
How should raw pork pancreas be stored?
Raw pork pancreas is highly perishable and should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator for no more than 1 to 2 days. For long-term storage, wrap it tightly in freezer-safe packaging and freeze it for up to 4 months.
Is pork pancreas good for weight loss?
It can be beneficial for weight loss due to its high protein content (15.5g per 100g), which promotes satiety. However, it is relatively calorie-dense at 219 calories per 100g, so portion control is important if you are monitoring total caloric intake.
Is pork pancreas gluten-free?
Yes, raw pork pancreas is naturally gluten-free. It is a pure animal protein and contains no wheat or grain products, making it safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
How can you tell if pork pancreas has spoiled?
Fresh pork pancreas should be pinkish-white or light grey with a mild, metallic smell. If it develops a strong sour or ammonia-like odor, a slimy surface film, or turns a dark grey or greenish color, it has spoiled and should be discarded immediately.
