Some people say that pigs' front legs are fat, but they are not fat at all. As pig's trotters, they are basically skin and bones with tendons, and there is little fat. Moreover, the trotters will be blanched before boiling, and the trotters will shrink after blanching, and there is not much so-called fat!
I usually buy fresh trotters and seldom buy frozen trotters. I don't think they are delicious and have no meat flavor. It's a pity that the dishes we usually eat outside, "braised pig's trotters", are basically made of those frozen pig's trotters. Although it is processed, it will taste a little crisp, but it always feels that there is no meat flavor that pig's trotters should have!
When choosing pork legs, you can choose from the following three aspects.
1, look. Fresh pig's trotters have normal meat color, no black spots, no shaved pig's hair on them, and no removed pig's trotters.
2. Smell. Pick up a pig's trotter and put it under your nose to smell it. It is very hot now. Pork stinks easily if it is not properly preserved! Fresh trotters smell like fresh meat.
Step 3 touch. Feel the pig's trotters, dry and slightly greasy, and press them down with your hands, which is very elastic. I have seen some pig's trotters before, and I can also draw with water. After pressing by hand, some water will seep out. Don't buy trotters like this, even if they are cheap.
The above is my own experience in picking pig's trotters. Might as well buy front legs. I suggest you buy pig's trotters in the morning, which will be fresher. I hope I can help you, thank you!