<P> Pork is one of the most commonly consumed meats in the world . Pork chops are the most commonly consumed meat cut from the pork loin . In the United States, pork chops account for 10% of total pork consumption . </P> <P> The center cut or pork loin chop includes a large T - shaped bone, and is structurally similar to the beef T - bone steak . Rib chops come from the rib portion of the loin, and are similar to rib eye steaks . Blade or shoulder chops come from the spine, and tend to contain much connective tissue . The sirloin chop is taken from the (rear) leg end and also contains much connective tissue . The shoulder end produces chops that are considerably fattier than the chops taken from the loin end . </P> <P> The so - called "Iowa Chop" is a thick center cut; the term was coined in 1976 by the Iowa Pork Producers Association . A "Bacon Chop" is cut from the shoulder end and leaves the pork belly meat attached . Pork chops are sometimes sold marinated to add flavor; marinades such as a chili sauce or a barbecue sauce are common . As pork is often cooked more thoroughly than beef, thus running the risk of drying out the meat, pork chops can be brined to maintain moistness . One could also wrap their pork chops in bacon to add further moistness during the cooking process . </P> <P> Pork chops are suitable for roasting, grilling, or frying, but there are also stuffed pork chop recipes . They can be used boneless or bone - in . Pork chops are usually cut between 1 / 2 inch and 2 inches thick . Improved breeding techniques for hogs have made it possible to cook pork to a lower temperature, helping the meat to remain juicy, while still being safe to eat . Guidelines have recently been refined to recommend the safe internal pork cooking temperature for pork chops to 145 ° F. In order to ensure the chop is properly cooked, a digital thermometer should be used to measure the chop at its thickest part avoiding the bone . Once the chop reaches the recommended internal temperature, it can be removed from the heat to rest for approximately three minutes . </P>

Where do center cut pork chops come from