What is Lard?

Lard is a type of fat commonly used in cooking desserts and savory dishes. While lard isn’t the healthiest ingredient, it is required to make certain recipes a success.

What is Lard, Exactly?

Lard is pork fat which has been melted to make it more stable. The fat is appreciated for its high smoke point which makes it perfect for frying, sautéing, and making certain recipes richer, especially desserts.

Types of Lard

Rendered Lard

Rendered lard is the least processed form of lard, as it has only been melted and filtered. As a result, it still retains its pork taste and can be commonly found at butcher shops. Rendered lard is usually used for savory or meat dishes.

Processed Lard

Processed lard is the most processed of the lard types and is found on the shelf at the grocery store. To make processed lard, pork fat is melted, filtered, and hydronated. Processed lard barely tastes like pork, and it can be used for a variety of recipes.

Leaf Lard

Leaf lard is a lard that is made from a specific portion of the pig, the fatty deposits by its kidneys. Leaf lard tastes the least like pork of all the lard types, and is used for desserts and baked goods.

What Can You Use Lard For?

Lard is a cooking fat and is meant to be used similarly to butter or oil in recipes. It can be used for a variety of recipes, though it is most common in frying, roasting, and baking. Lard can also be eaten on toast like butter, though it is a bit rich for some tastes.

Common Recipes Using Lard

Cookies
Breads
Donuts
Cakes
Empanadas
Tamales
Rice flavoring
Beef stew
Refried beans
Biscuits

Is Lard Healthy?

Lard is one of the healthier sources of fat, behind olive oil which is the healthiest choice. While lard is less saturated than butter and contains vitamin D, it still has some saturated fats and should be used sparingly.

How to Store Lard

Lard is best stored in a sealed package or airtight container in the fridge or freezer, especially rendered lard. While processed lard is more shelf-stable, it can spoil or become rancid if it gets too warm, so the fridge is the best place to keep it to maintain freshness that can last for several months to a year.