Expert: Keith Patton - 11/24/2008

Question
do i need to soak or marniade this 1/2 sow before i put it over open pecan wood coals

Answer
Mark:

Smell it.  Usually boars have what is called boar taint.  This is due to the type of fat in the meat, it turns easily.  The sows should not have this problem.  If you want to brine it to improve the moisture in the meat, you can do so.  I assume it is skinned.  If so, you need to make sure you use a drip pan and roast it over indirect heat.  If not, the flare up from the burning dripping fat will give the meat a burned flavor.  If you don't have a cooker that uses indirect heat, you might have to bank your coals to the back side and put some foil or sheet metal behind it to improve the radiant heat given off.

Keith