What is National Roast Suckling Pig Day?

On December 18th, National Roast Suckling Pig Day honors a savory dish that requires some planning to make. The results, on the other hand, are well worth the effort.

A suckling pig is a young pig that is between the ages of two to six weeks and is still nourished by its mother's milk. The pig is roasted whole until the skin is crisp. The meat is tender and succulent.

Suckling pigs can weigh 8-30 pounds and go from $12 to $20 a pound, depending on the region. The finished product is a delicacy most anywhere in the world, due to these factors, as well as the daunting challenge of roasting a whole (granted small) pig.

The roasting process is not difficult if you have the right equipment and ingredients. You can also prepare a suckling pig if you've roasted a whole turkey. Only the smallest piglets will fit into most standard home ovens. About 20 adult servings will be provided to those in the lower weight range.