Why do people cook a whole roasted pig with an apple in its mouth?

From what I know it's to absorb the smell of the Pork. The pork smell is very strong. Normally I use cloves and apples. After you can turn the apple into sauce.

:This probably seems silly, but when I was a kid my dad offered up a guess that I thought was clever. (Though likely untrue now that I think of how strong their mouths are) I remember hearing that an apple was stuffed in the pigs mouth prior to slaughter to keep the pig from biting anyone during the process.

First answer by Linda Elo. Last edit by Eyknough. Contributor trust: 5 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 39 [recommend question]