The city of Charleston in South Carolina is known for many things. However, one of the most popular things the Palmetto State is known for is grilling: outdoor grill parties, BBQ grills, etc. Pork is a grilling staple in Charleston, and when it comes to pig farming and pork delicacies, Holy City Hogs is one of the most famous brands in the business. This review will break down Holy City Hogs, highlighting what they do and how they do it.
Who is Holy City Hogs?
Holy City Hogs is a family-run farm that raises heritage breed pigs outdoors on pasture. They sell their pork to restaurants and also offer on-site BBQ cooking classes. At the helm of affairs are the “Jackson Four,” led by Tank Jackson (“The Hogfather”), his wife, and two kids.
The Jackson Four
Holy City Hogs claims to serve real food without additives and chemicals to their pigs. They take pride in raising their pigs outside, “wild and free like Mother Nature intended.” They don’t use farrowing barns and uphold the belief that “happy pigs taste better.”
Some Facts About Pig Farming in the United States
- The U.S. is the second largest producer of pigs, behind China.
- Pork is the third most popular meat in the United States after chicken meat and beef.
- According to Sentient Media, in 2020, U.S. Americans consumed 52.1 pounds of pork per capita, accounting for almost a quarter of their average annual meat consumption.
- The market size of the Hog & Pig Farming industry in the US is measured at $28.6bn in 2023.
In the United States, the top pork producing states account for nearly 72 million pigs, and almost all of them are raised on factory farms. This is why Holy City Hogs’ natural method of rearing pigs has put them in the limelight. Their farm is located on Wadmalaw Island, Charleston County, South Carolina. Tank Jackson has been in the business for over 20 years.
Tank is passionate about preserving the genetic diversity and flavor of rare and endangered breed hogs, such as Ossabaw Island, old line Durocs, Tamworth, Hampshire, and others. He also created two proprietary crossbreeds, the Sowega King and the Carolina Black Hoof, which are specially adapted to the Lowcountry environment and produce high-quality meat and lard.
Holy City Hogs BBQ Cooking Classes
Holy City Hogs’ On-Site BBQ Cooking Classes offer a unique and immersive experience for barbecue enthusiasts. Led by the “Holy City Hogfather” himself, Tank Jackson, these classes delve into the art of cooking whole hog BBQ low and slow over charcoal and pecan logs.
Here’s what to expect from the Hogfather’s BBQ classes:
- Hands-on learning: Participants get to work alongside Tank and his team, learning everything from selecting the right cut of meat to mastering fire management and applying rubs and sauces.
- Locally sourced ingredients: The classes use only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, including heirloom vegetables, grains, and, of course, Holy City Hogs’ own heritage breed pork.
- Intimate setting: With a limited number of participants per class, you’re guaranteed personalized attention and the opportunity to ask questions and learn from the best.
- Feast on your creation: The class culminates in a delicious feast featuring the whole hog that you helped to cook.
Holy City Hogs’ Class Options
Holy City Hogs offers a variety of on-site cooking classes to suit different interests and skill levels:
- Whole Hog BBQ Class: This two-day intensive class covers everything you need to know to cook a whole hog like a pro.
- Lowcountry Seafood Class: Learn to cook seasonal Lowcountry seafood dishes using traditional methods and local ingredients.
- Customizable Classes: Holy City Hogs can also create custom classes for groups or events.
Pricing and Availability
Prices for on-site cooking classes vary depending on the length and content of the class. You can find the latest pricing and availability information on the Holy City Hogs dedicated webpage.
What Makes Holy City Hogs Unique?
Here are some of the vital things that make Holy City Hogs unique:
- They breed pigs outdoors on pasture, using natural and sustainable methods.
- They have a variety of heritage breed hogs and have also created two proprietary crossbreeds, the Sowega King and the Carolina Black Hoof.
- They specialize in the art of cooking lard breed hogs using their own custom-built smokers and traditional techniques. They offer on-site cooking classes, catering services, and event packages for anyone who wants to experience the authentic taste of heritage pork.
- They supply some of Charleston’s finest restaurants and chefs, who appreciate the farm’s commitment to ethical and humane animal husbandry, as well as the exceptional flavor and texture of its pork products.
- They are passionate about preserving and promoting the heritage of hog farming and cooking in the South. They respect the animals they raise, the land they steward, and the customers they serve.
- They are proud to be part of a community that values quality, sustainability, and tradition.
Can I Buy Holy City Hogs’ Products Online?
You can buy Holy City Hogs’ products online by visiting their home page and clicking on the “store” button. You will be able to choose from a variety of products, event packages, etc. You can also contact them directly by phone or email if you have any questions or special requests.
Is Holy City Hogs a Good Choice?
Whether Holy City Hogs is a good choice for you depends on what you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide:
Pros:
- High-quality, humanely raised pork: Holy City Hogs is committed to raising their pigs outdoors on pasture, using sustainable farming practices, and providing them with a good quality of life. This results in pork that is not only delicious but also ethically sourced.
- Variety of products: They offer a variety of pork products, including whole hogs, cuts of meat, sausages, and more. You can also purchase their products online or at select farmers’ markets and restaurants in the Charleston area.
- On-site BBQ cooking classes: If you’re interested in learning more about cooking pork, Holy City Hogs offers on-site BBQ cooking classes led by pitmaster Tank Jackson. These classes are a great way to learn the art of whole hog BBQ and enjoy a delicious meal at the end.
- Positive reputation: Holy City Hogs has a positive reputation for the quality of their pork and their commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Cons:
- Price: Holy City Hogs’ pork is more expensive than conventionally raised pork. This is to be expected, given the higher quality of their product and their commitment to sustainable practices.
- Availability: Their products are not available in all areas. You can purchase them online or at select farmers’ markets and restaurants in the Charleston area.
Overall, Holy City Hogs is a great choice if you are looking for high-quality, humanely raised pork for personal consumption or business.
