Many people think "Carnitas" refers to pulled pork meat served in a taco shell of some kind.  The word "carnitas" is literally translated as "little meats" and refers to the meat itself. Pork carnitas are usually made with a pork shoulder roast or pork butt roast in the 5-10 pound range, which is usually trimmed into smaller pieces and heavily seasoned before cooking. Traditional carnitas are made by simmering the meat in lard over a very low heat, until tender.  Then the heat is turned up and the outside of the pork begins to crisp.  This breaks down the collagen in the meat enough to pull it by hand or with forks.