Mészítés

Mészítés is a traditional Hungarian culinary term referring to the process of preparing meat, often pork, by scoring or making shallow cuts on its surface before cooking. This technique is primarily used to allow marinades, spices, and heat to penetrate the meat more effectively, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product. The cuts are typically made in a diamond pattern or parallel lines, depending on the cut of meat and the desired aesthetic.

This method is particularly common for roasts, such as pork shoulder or pork belly, where the scoring helps to render the fat and crisp up the skin. The depth of the cuts is important; they should be deep enough to reach the fat layer but not so deep as to cut into the muscle itself. Mészítés is often performed after the meat has been seasoned or marinated, allowing the flavors to be absorbed into the scored areas. This ancient technique contributes significantly to the texture and taste of many traditional Hungarian dishes.