CLIVE, Iowa — Iowa pork producers are celebrating Porktober this October by highlighting pork’s protein, flavor and the farm families and workers behind the food consumers put on their tables.
As high-protein diets continue to attract consumer interest, the Iowa Pork Producers Association is reminding families that pork can be a convenient and flavorful source of protein. A 3-ounce serving of pork provides an average of about 23 grams of protein, with several popular cuts offering similar amounts. A 3-ounce serving of pork loin provides about 23 grams of protein, pork sirloin roast provides 26 grams and pork tenderloin provides about 22 grams.
Lean cuts can also fit into heart-healthy eating patterns. Pork tenderloin meets the nutritional criteria for the American Heart Association Heart-Check mark, demonstrating that consumers can choose lean pork while still enjoying the flavor and versatility it brings to meals.
But Porktober is about more than what is on the plate. The Iowa Pork Producers Association says the month also recognizes the people behind pork production, including Iowa farm families and workers who care for pigs while managing the land and resources their farms depend on.
“Pork is one of the easiest ways for families to get more protein on the table without sacrificing flavor,” said IPPA President Dean Frazer, a pig farmer from Conrad. “Whether it’s a weeknight sausage gnocchi or grilled pork chops with friends, every recipe this Porktober is built around real nutrition families can feel good about.”
To help consumers celebrate Porktober at home, IPPA is featuring three recipes this month. Street Corn Pork Chops combine seasoned grilled pork chops with charred corn, lime, cotija cheese, cilantro and jalapeño and provide 46 grams of protein per serving. Sausage Gnocchi offers a one-pan meal featuring pork sausage and gnocchi with 32 grams of protein per serving. A Pork Tenderloin Pimento Sandwich pairs lean pork tenderloin with creamy pimento cheese and provides 37 grams of protein per serving.
Throughout October, Iowa pork producers are using Porktober to celebrate the combination of nutrition, flavor and the people who raise pork — while encouraging consumers to explore new ways to put pork on the table.
Recipes, cooking tips and additional information about pork nutrition are available from the Iowa Pork Producers Association at iowapork.org/recipes.
