In order to get an exact price of a
lechon, we need to know your location and the size of the lechon you want.
But, a close estimate is around $450, depending on your location. The further you are,
the more it will cost due to driving time and gas used.
Why is the cost that high?
The reason: the picnic style pigs that we order
are somewhat in a market of their own. When we order a pig, it is actually being shipped from Chicago. Those people are
used to selling full grown 250 lb. pigs...and making a certain amount of money from them.(pork by the pound)
So, when an order comes in for a smaller pig, they
stand to lose money unless they charge a higher rate.
Then, you must calculate the fuel used to ship the
pig to our area.
And finally, the meat locker we order from gets a
small piece of the pie as well.
So, remember this, the smaller the pig...
THE MORE THEY COST PER POUND
!!!
Here is a true cost quote that WE pay:
35 lb. pig= $3 per lb.
70 lb. pig= $2 per lb.
Next, we have used up to 120 lbs. of charcoal to cook a lechon...that's $55 in charcoal!
So, now you see we have around $200 in the cost of raw meat and charcoal alone!!!
Next, figure in gas, vegetables, spices, seasonings, aluminum pans, sauces and other miscellaneous items.
Not to mention a minimum of 14 hours
labor for 2 people.
(Yes, we really do put that much time into your lechon)
So, you can see how the price rises so quickly.
Here is a suggestion to help you save money:
We have done parties where 2 different people or families ordered 1 large lechon. They
split the cost...and the meat!!!
We thought it was a creative way to save money and get the amount of lechon they
both wanted.
