Chorizo is a highly seasoned chopped or ground pork sausage used in Spanish and Mexican cuisine. Mexican chorizo is made with fresh (raw, uncooked) pork, while the Spanish version is usually smoked.

Where is chorizo originally from?

Much like the many things that are popular in the “new world,” chorizo originated in the Iberian Peninsula, which mainly composes Spain and Portugal. While it's known as chorizo in the Spanish language, there are distinct variations in spelling and pronunciation between Iberian languages: Chorizu – Astur-Leonese.

Where does chorizo come from on a pig?

If you look at most chorizo recipes to make at home, you'll see that the only meat ingredient included is usually pork butt (also known as pork shoulder) or pork cheek.