Cuscino from herb pork
The cuscino (Italian for "pillow") gets its name from its shape. After searing, the piece resembles a small pillow. It's extremely juicy and surprisingly tender—a real insider tip for pan-frying and grilling!
Cuscino explains - Meat consultation
The characteristics of the Cuscino
The cuscino is the muscle cap of the scap bone in the pork shoulder. This muscle is little used and, despite its location in the shoulder, is very tender and flavorful, even though there are slight tendons in the meat.
Raising our herb pigs
Our pig farm is located in the picturesque Markgräflerland region, more precisely on the Engler family farm. It has been the first pig hotel in southern Baden since 2019. Here, the pigs live in a species-appropriate animal welfare barn with plenty of space and straw for rooting outside. The older barns are continuously being renovated to modern animal welfare standards.
Thanks to slow fattening, our pigs reach slaughter age at approximately seven months, resulting in high-quality, dry meat. Thanks to our closed system and short transport routes of no more than 60 km, we avoid the use of antibiotics and protect both the animals and the environment. 80% of our pigs come from our own rearing, and 20% from partner farms.
Thanks to slow fattening, our pigs reach slaughter age at approximately seven months, resulting in high-quality, dry meat. Thanks to our closed system and short transport routes of no more than 60 km, we avoid the use of antibiotics and protect both the animals and the environment. 80% of our pigs come from our own rearing, and 20% from partner farms.
Preparation of Cuscino
How to prepare Cuscino on the grill – in 6 steps
Preparation:
- Prepare a grill with two zones: high heat and indirect heat.
- Salt the steak and place it in the hot zone to develop roasted aromas.
- After searing, place in the indirect zone and reduce the heat.
- Insert the core temperature probe into the steak.
- Remove the steak from the grill when it reaches the desired core temperature and let it rest.
- Carve across the grain and serve.
How to prepare Cuscino in a pan – in 5 steps
Preparation:
- Preheat pan without oil for 2-4 minutes on high heat, preheat oven to 120 °C.
- Salt the steak, add oil to the pan and sear on all sides.
- Place the steak in the oven and insert the core temperature probe.
- Remove the steak from the oven when it reaches the desired core temperature and let it rest.
- Carve across the grain and serve.
Measure core temperature on the Cuscino
To ensure the meat is cooked to perfection, we recommend using a digital probe thermometer. Insert the probe into the center of the meat to measure the core temperature. Tip: Place the probe lengthwise on the meat, measure the insertion depth, and insert it to the mark.
Cuscino core temperature
The core temperature for the cuscino is a matter of taste. Our recommendation:
* Our core temperature recommendation for the Cuscino: 56 °C
Designation | Description | core temperature |
---|---|---|
Blue | Roasted on the outside, cool and raw on the inside | 42 °C |
Rare / Bloody | Very reddish in the core | 48-52 °C |
Medium-Rare | Slightly pink, but still reddish | 52-56 °C |
medium | Clear pink with reddish tint | 56-60 °C |
Well Done / Through | Almost completely cooked | 60-64 °C |

