Rendered Lard

Lard is pig fat that's been melted down and cleaned up. The real magic happens with how those pigs are raised. Picture this: pigs roaming free, munching on natural foods, and getting non-GMO meals. That's what gives you high-quality lard, way better than the stuff from factory-farmed pigs.

Types and Culinary Uses

There are two main types:

• Leaf lard: Comes from around the kidneys, perfect for making those flaky pastries.
• Fatback lard: Taken from the pig's back, awesome for frying and roasting.

Both types are mild in flavor and super versatile in the kitchen.

Nutritional Profile

• Heart-healthy fats: It's loaded with monounsaturated fats, like those in olive oil, and has no trans fats.
• Vitamin D: Thanks to all that sunshine the pigs soak up, there's a good dose of vitamin D.
• Balanced omegas: It has a healthier omega-3 to omega-6 balance, which is great for your heart.
• Cholesterol benefits: It offers good HDL cholesterol, which our bodies need.
• High smoke point: You can cook at high temperatures without worrying about harmful free radicals.

Sustainability

Using lard fits right into the "nose-to-tail" approach, meaning less food waste by using every part of the animal.