Fresh Pork Picnic skin on or skin off?

[low country smoker]

I have a 9lbs. fresh pork picnic ham. Should I remove the skin before smoking?
Thanks,
Harry

 

[BedouinBob]

Harry, I would give a good consultant answer and say it depends. If you like cracklins and are a purist, take the skin off and you have great makins. If you are not, the smoked version of craklins is great. I have done hams out of picnic hams before and left the skin off. I can't say I noticed any big difference. So, go for it!

 

[Pork Belly]

Leave it on but score it in a nice diamond pattern, through the skin but not into the meat.

 

[low country smoker]

Thanks guys I will try scoring the skin this time. A good weekend to you both!
Harry