Do you cover pork when roasting shoulder for pulled pork?

Here's why:

* Moisture retention: While covering the pork during the initial stages of roasting can help it stay moist, you want the fat to render out for the best pulled pork.

* Bark formation: Leaving the shoulder uncovered allows the skin to crisp up and form a delicious, flavorful "bark" - a key component of great pulled pork.

* Even cooking: Uncovering the pork allows for even heat distribution and browning.

However, there are a few exceptions:

* High-altitude cooking: You may need to cover the pork at higher altitudes due to lower boiling points.

* Using a smoker: Depending on the smoker and the temperature you're using, you might need to cover the pork for part of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out.

General rule of thumb:

* Start uncovered.

* Monitor the pork closely.

* Cover only if necessary to prevent drying out.

Remember, the goal is to achieve a tender, juicy, and flavorful pulled pork with a crispy bark.