What is "Boston butt"?

Boston butt, also known as pork shoulder or pork butt, is a flavorful and versatile cut of pork taken from the upper portion of the shoulder of the pig. Despite its name, it does not come from the rear end of the animal but rather from the front shoulder. Boston butt is well-marbled with fat and contains connective tissue, which makes it ideal for slow cooking methods such as braising, roasting, or smoking. It is also suitable for slicing into steaks or cubes for dishes like stew or chili.