Baby back ribs are called "baby back" because they are shorter than spareribs, not because they come from baby pigs. The name refers to their size relative to the longer spareribs.
Understanding the Terminology
The term "baby back ribs" is a bit of a misnomer. It doesn't refer to the age of the pig. Instead, it describes the location and size of the ribs on the animal. These ribs are found along the upper back of the pig, resulting in a shorter, more delicate rack compared to spareribs, which come from the lower portion of the rib cage.
- Baby Back Ribs: Shorter, more tender, typically found higher on the pig's back.
- Spareribs: Longer, often meatier, and located lower on the pig's rib cage.
The shorter length and more delicate bone structure of baby back ribs contribute to their often more tender texture and quicker cooking time compared to spareribs. Many people prefer their flavor profile as well.
This difference in size is the key to understanding why they're called "baby back" ribs. The name is purely descriptive of their physical characteristics in relation to other cuts of pork ribs. The reference provided clearly states this: "The upper ribs are called baby back ribs, because they are shorter in relation to the bigger spareribs, NOT because they are from a baby pig!"
