A rack of spare ribs typically contains 11 to 13 bones. This is consistent across multiple sources. While a pig may have more ribs overall, the portion cut and sold as a "rack of spare ribs" usually falls within this range.
Understanding Spare Ribs
Spare ribs, also known as side ribs, are taken from the belly of the pig, behind the shoulder. They are characterized by their longer, flatter shape compared to baby back ribs. The meat is found both on top of and between the bones. Although often considered to have less meat than baby back ribs, many people find them tastier.
Variations in Rib Rack Size
It's important to note that slight variations can occur depending on the butchering process and the size of the pig. You might occasionally find a rack with slightly fewer or more bones than the typical 11-13 range. However, the 11-13 bone count is a reliable estimate.
Other Types of Ribs
While this question focuses on spare ribs, it's worth noting that other types of ribs have different bone counts:
- Baby Back Ribs: Typically have 10-13 curved ribs.
- Beef Ribs: Generally have 9 ribs per rack.
- Lamb Ribs: Usually contain 7 or 8 ribs.
