Buying a whole pig to cook is a massive undertaking that, when done right, creates an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you're planning a traditional Hawaiian Kalua pig roast in an underground imu or a "low-and-slow" suckling pig roast in an oven, the process requires serious preparation.

, experts at Serious Eats recommend an oven temperature of . The goal is to reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) in the deepest joint (the shoulder) for a safe and tender result. Outdoor Pit Cooking : Traditional methods like the Hawaiian Imu

: Buying directly from a farm like Purely Pastured Farm allows you to know exactly how the animal was raised, which is a major plus for quality-conscious cooks.

involve digging a pit—sometimes 4 feet deep and 10 feet across —to smoke and steam the meat simultaneously. This results in a texture similar to pulled pork with a deep, smoky barbecue flavor.

: You need massive freezer or cooler space if you aren't cooking it immediately.

: Nothing beats the sight of a whole roasted pig at a gathering. Cons :