How to Clean Chitterlings

Chitterlings, or chitlins, are pigs intestines that are finger-cleaned of debris and fecal matter before they are cooked and consumed. Cleaning chitterlings completely is the key to enjoying this soul food delicacy.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chitterlings
• Chlorine
• Pot of boiling water

1. Thaw the chitterlings completely (if frozen) overnight in the bucket in which they are packed.

2. Par boil (pre-boil) the chitterlings at least 5-10 minutes in boiling water before you clean them. This will kill any additional bacteria or germs that are in the chitterlings. You can also add half a capful of chlorine to the water as you wash the chitlins. This will also help kill any bacteria. Rinse the chitterlings thoroughly afterwards to eliminate any traces of the chlorine.

3. Separate the membrane from the chitterling. The membrane is the clear, thin piece of fat that is attached to the chitlins. Use your fingers or any tool that will allow you to do a thorough job.

4. Wash the chitterlings using two sinks. Separate the membrane and wash the chitterling under running water on one side, and then place that cleaned chitterling into a sink full of clean water on the other side.

5. Repeat the above step at least three times, or until the water does not feel greasy and is no longer cloudy. Alternate sinks to make clean up easier.

6. Wash all surfaces that have been touched by the chitterlings or its juices. Sanitize all surfaces with chlorine.

7. Dispose of the chitterlings refuse. Put it in a plastic bag, seal the bag and placing it in a trash can. When you're done, wash your hands completely to kill any germs.

Tips & Warnings

• Thoroughly wash hands and all surfaces before, during and after handling chitterlings.

Resources

• What's Cooking shows how to thoroughly clean chitterlings.
• The dangers of not practicing proper hygiene when handling chitterlings are listed at orau.org.
• Chitterling Cleaners specializes in cleaning chitterlings.

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[Nessa]

on 11/21/2007 There is no need to use chlorine bleach in the cleaning of chitterlings. This could be dangerous. Nowadays, chitterlings are treated in the processing plants with chlorine to whiten them as they are sometimes dark when removed from the piggy. Chitterlings only need to be thoroughly finger-cleaned, scraped, and rinsed thoroughly. They can be washed in sea salt or baking soda, but there is no need to ever use bleach.