Is salt pork the same as fat back?

No, salt pork and fat back are not the same thing, though they are similar.

Salt pork is pork belly that has been cured in salt, sometimes with other seasonings. It's typically sliced into thick slabs and is often used to add flavor and moisture to dishes like collard greens, black-eyed peas, and beans.

Fat back is the back fat from a pig. It's usually sold in slabs or blocks and is primarily used for rendering lard. It's also sometimes used in cooking, like in deep-frying or adding flavor to certain dishes.

Here's a breakdown of the differences:

* Curing: Salt pork is cured in salt, while fat back is not.

* Usage: Salt pork is usually used for flavoring, while fat back is used for rendering lard or as a source of fat in cooking.

* Texture: Salt pork is typically firmer due to the curing process, while fat back is softer.

In summary, while both salt pork and fat back are pork products containing a significant amount of fat, they are not the same thing. Salt pork is cured and used for flavor, while fat back is primarily used for rendering lard or adding fat to dishes.