Lard is a fat source that you get from the pig source. It is a traditional and old type of fat, and its use is still practiced in some households. It is the best fat to use for pie crusts and other savory dishes. It improves the taste of your food.
Lard may be purchased in a food shop. It needs special storage conditions, unlike other oils and butter. It will go bad easily if it is not properly stored. Everything you need to know about its storage is mentioned in the article, so you do not have to worry about storing it.
Contents
- How to store lard?
- Can you freeze your lard?
- How long does the lard last?
- How to tell if the lard is bad?
- Sources
- FAQs
- How do you know if lard has gone bad?
- Is it OK to use out of date lard?
- Does lard need to be refrigerated?
- How long is lard good for once opened?
- Can botulism grow in lard?
- What is the shelf life of refrigerated lard?
- Why does lard last so long?
- What should lard smell like?
- Does lard last longer than oil?
- Does lard go rancid easily?
How to store lard?
Lard will go bad like any other cooking fat if it is not stored properly. It will not spoil quickly due to its low moisture content. It may remain excellent even at low temperatures. If you keep it at room temperature, it can go bad before its date.
You should be aware of basic points that help extend the life of your lard. The following points will guide you the best in saving your lard and extending its shelf life.
Do not leave your lard open in the air
Lard should never be left out in the open. The air can readily oxidize your lard; hence, it can spoil too soon. Whenever you buy your lard from the grocery store, make sure you keep it in the wax paper that you buy it in. If it can not be re-sealed, you can try storing it in an airtight container.
The usage of ziplock bags may also be considered. The only focus is to keep your lard away from air contamination.
Keep it away from warm places
The lard shows different physical states depending upon the temperature it is provided. If you keep your lard at war temperature, it will melt down and make your workplace messy. Even if it is kept in some container, you will not want to use it after some time as it will develop a rancid smell.
The lard requires a low-temperature place and should be kept in so. It should be kept out of direct sunlight since sunshine also offers warmth.
Refrigerate your lard
The best place to keep your lard is your refrigerator. The refrigerator provides you the optimum temperature scale for your lard. There will be no mold or bacteria formation in the fridge to set for a longer time.
The refrigerator also extends the shelf life of the lard. You will have to ensure that your lard is properly sealed while you keep it in the fridge. The lard may absorb fragrances of other food products in the fridge.
Can you freeze your lard?
If you have plenty of lard and there is no chance of consuming it in the upcoming months, you can keep it in your freezer for a prolonged time. It does not go bad in the freezer. The lard can be stored for up to two years in the freezer.
Your lard should be properly sealed, so it does not get a freeze burn. You can store all of the lard together in a single airtight box. You can also store it in an ice cube tray and transfer it to a ziplock bag later. The lard can also be infused with different herbs while freezing it.
How long does the lard last?
The fat will keep fresh for three months on your shelf. It will not spoil on the shelf if it is kept away from warm places and sunlight. It can go bad in a month if it gets consistent warmth. The lard stored in the fridge can sustain for a year if it is properly covered.
You can use your frozen lard for about three years. The only condition it requires that it should be thawed repeatedly. Your lard should be put in ziplock bags, so it does not get an ice burn.
How to tell if the lard is bad?
It is advised to use the lard before its given expiry date. If the expiry date is passed, you can still not confirm its rancidity until you know some key points. The lard spoilage can be confirmed if it shows the following symptoms.
- The bad lard changes its color from off-white to pale.
- You might notice an off smell coming from the lard that may seem unnatural to you.
- If there is no bad smell, you can taste it. If it goes sour or tastes unpleasant, it is not good to be used.
- There may also be a presence of molds and black spots on the lard. If it is present, you should throw the lard away.
- If your lard gets attacked by rodents in your pantry, you should not use it any further.
Sources
- Does it go bad
- Can it go bad
- Healtholino
- The dairy dish
FAQs
How do you know if lard has gone bad?
If your lard smells rancid, it has gone bad. If it reminds you of old paint or a detergent, your lard is rancid (here’s what does rancid oil smell like). And while eating or using it probably won’t make you sick (right away), it’s best to get rid of it.
Is it OK to use out of date lard?
No. You must never eat rancid oil of any kind, Lard especially. Again, if you’re unsure whether your Lard is good or bad, to be safe, throw it out!
Does lard need to be refrigerated?
Although refrigerating lard isn’t required, it can significantly extend the shelf life. Refrigeration also reduces exposure to sunlight, heat, and oxygen which cause rancidity. Lard can be kept at room temperature or frozen in a refrigerator. If you refrigerate lard, it will change the consistency of the fat.
How long is lard good for once opened?
The best way to preserve lard is to store it in the fridge. This way, it should last for about a year or so. Put it in the freezer if you don’t plan on using it soon. Its shelf life should be extended by a year or two if it remains unused.
Can botulism grow in lard?
Does botulism grow in lard? No, botulism does not grow in lard. Botulism is a type of food poisoning caused by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. These bacteria can produce a deadly toxin when they are growing in food and the conditions are right.
What is the shelf life of refrigerated lard?
If you buy a piece of whole lard, you can keep it refrigerated for up to one month, so long as you cover the side you have cut with a cling film or, even better, wrap it inside a wet cloth to preserve the softness. We recommend that you not dispose of the left-over rind when cleaning the lard.
Why does lard last so long?
It lasts so long because it’s made of monounsaturated and saturated fats. These fatty acids are usually more stable than polyunsaturated fats, making lard a very long-lasting product! Lard containers from the store come with best-by dates, but keeping lard in the fridge can make them last even past those dates.
What should lard smell like?
Lard is produced from the adipose tissue of pigs. Cooking or stewing is used to make it. If it is well made, it should have an unobtrusive smell or taste. When fresh, it should have a relatively neutral smell or a slight bacon aroma.
Does lard last longer than oil?
Because lard contains more saturated fat than veggie oils, it doesn’t go rancid as quickly and has a higher smoke point, making it better for frying and high-heat cooking.
Does lard go rancid easily?
Lard lasts months even if you don’t refrigerate it, but it eventually goes bad. The primary way it spoils is by going rancid, and you can tell your lard is rancid if it gives off a chemical smell or tastes bitter or harsh. Lard retains quality for about 4 to 6 months at room temperature and about a year in the fridge.