Whole Hog BBQ - South Carolina Style

When most people think "barbecue," they don't think "whole hog." But that's not the case for Dr. Howard Conyers, rocket scientist and South Carolina Whole Hog pit master. Watch this episode for a short-course on everything you need to know to fire up the pit for this regional Southern tradition.

~~~
Welcome to NOURISH with rocket scientist and whole hog barbecue pit master, Dr. Howard Conyers! Think of this show as food for your mind, body and soul.

Host and Co-Producer: Dr. Howard Conyers
Writer and Co-Producer: Christina Melton
Director and Post Production Supervisor: Donald "DRay!" Washington
Videographer: Bennie Robertson
Graphics: Ryan Golden
Original Music: Brass-A-Holics from New Orleans, LA
The Mike Foster Project from Baton Rouge, LA
Produced by PBS Digital Studios and Louisiana Public Broadcasting

Made possible with funding from The Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Dr. Conyers contributed to this program in his personal capacity. The views expressed are his own and do not necessarily represent the view of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration or the United States government. The United States government does not endorse or evaluate any program sponsors, advertised products, services, or companies, nor any of the claims made.

[careysharp]

My brother
Very proud to see an educated black man doing something good for the family. You seem very humble with your blessing. Stay strong and keep that tradition alive. 😎

[roxanneswanson]

When my late sister was in college pursuing a degree in broadcast journalism, she did an internship in South Carolina and was lucky enough to be invited to a BBQ. She thought the menu would consist of hot dogs and hamburgers. Little did she know she was in for a treat...whole hog BBQ. What an experience. Good on you, Dr. Conyers for embracing this amazing tradition that is both a skill and an art. Wishing you much success in all your endeavors.

[svanablak]

this made me wanna cry. he said "Dr." he's a PhD!!! very humble and not stuck up or sidditty! an engineer of rockets and the pit!!! keep doin' ya thang doc!!!

[ajunteburns]

Black man from Alabama! I love how you told the history behind bbq pitmasters in black history. I would love it if you did a whole documentary bro!💯

[timevampire]

A NASA engineer AND he makes bomb BBQ. This guy is the living epitome of the American dream.

[brillyashbyslebold]

Teacher- "What Do You Wanna Be When You Grow Up?"

This Guy- "Rocket Scientist Pitmaster"

[alexandercorrigan]

Rocket scientist is great but my passion is whole hog BBQ. God bless you Dr. Conyers, you are truly a national treasure, and you are honestly doing the lords work

[matthewhunter]

Just discovered NOURISH! So wonderful to see the best traditions of patience, passion, integrity, family pride, lcombined with the love of the only true American pedigree food: Barbecue!! Whether it’s South Carolina whole hog, Texas beef/brisket, Barbados, chicken, ribs, or pork shoulder, BBQ styles may be different, but they bring people from all walks of life together with time, place, family, friends (even total strangers!), and outstanding eats! To say nothing of the amazing side dishes of comfort or soul food historically associated with BBQ as well! Keep up the amazing tradition and keep spreading the gospel of great BBQ! Friends eat BBQ together!

[andycalcutt]

I'm from S.C. and we pretty much do it the same way. Definitely can end up with a fire. It was in the 20s one night while cooking the hog. About 4 a.m. all was going well, except we were getting tired (Myself 14 and my Daddy 46). At the time we raised hogs for meat and extra income, so we were set up fairly well for cooking them. We had an underground corn crib built into the hill where we stored corn on the cob. My dad said lets fire the hog up good and lay down to rest a few minutes. We layed down on top of the corn and covered up with some quilts. About an hour later, I heard metal making a jingling sound and saw light outside. I jumped up, saw flames and woke my Father up. We had our hog pit under a shelter especially built for cooking hogs. The noise and light was coming from the bbq pit shed where the hog had caught on fire. The tin across the top of the pit was jumping up and down because the fire had engulfed the hog and almost burned the shed rafters into. Thank God we had a stream and some five gallon buckets close by that we used to put out the rafters on fire. We were able to save about 50% of the shoulder and ham meat. It wasn't funny that night, but we joked and laughed about it for years to come afterwards. Thanks for the excellent video, info and service to our Country. God bless you and your family. ABCIII

[lizwilliams]

We are all so excited and pleased that your knowledge and passion are being recognized, so that everyone will know about your skill and expertise. And the careful way that you unfold the story of other S.C. pitmasters in your history is so admirable. You truly represent this tradition with honor and integrity.

[bluetannery]

This is fantastic, Dr. Conyers. Looking forward to seeing this series play out

[federicosagun]

Im filipino and i love our traditional lechon but hog bbq american style are the best in the world. The sweetness, savoury and the smokey flavour its just out off this world.

[aarontate]

Love seeing folks cooking and know exactly what they’re doin and seeing hog cooked right

[lcutis]

Thank you for the inspiration and also expressing how the tradition was passed down through the generations.

[zellapalmer]

Great job! You are highlighting the history of African American bbq history and culture. Finally!

[michaeldieterly]

I'm from South Carolina and we sure take pride in our bbq and mustard sauce! Thanks for making the video man and spreading our love to the rest of the world! Looks so good my man!

[rwilson]

I just came across your site. Thank you so much for sharing. I love tradition. You make me proud of our American heritage. It has nothing to do with race, money, or anything. It is a love for food and people having a great time of fellowship.

[kenparnell]

OMG! I'm South Carolina boy myself and I'm a Mechanical Engineer, and SC pit cooked BBQ is a way of life. nd yes, it was invented by the old slaves who cooked on the old plantations. We might never have had this wonderful food had it not been for the Africans brought here as slaves. And you right, no one shares their family recipe for the sauce. I'm more a vinegar base sauce man, but whatever you like it's all about history and family in SC. Good job on the video. Keep'em fly my friend!!

[kawaiielliott]

The way that pig looks reminded me of how my grand dad and dad use to do back in the day. Those was good old times when they were around. So i salute you bringing back the old days and peace n blessings king

[smithlcg]

Straight Awesome, a brilliant Brother who has not forgotten his roots.