The "China Box"

On a trip to Costa Rica with my wife and her family I was exposed to what they call a “China Box.” It was one of the most interesting concepts I had ever seen and produced one of the best tasting and juiciest whole roasted pigs I have ever tasted.

The ”China Box” is made up of a oak box with a steel top. Wood that has been lit on fire and allowed to amber is than placed on top of the steel cover. This created a slow roasting mechanism. The pig is butterflied and placed in a steel mesh holder which is lowered into the box. The box has a small drainage tube for all the fat that needs to render.  

The end result is a whole roasted pig. The skin is crispy and full of flavor. The meat on the inside is tender and juicy. Pork is eaten with tortillas and a variety of Costa Rican salads.

This was one of the cooler things I have seen. I just wanted to sare it with all of you!