You are going to laugh once you realize how easy it is to render Lard. Or more simply: to take the solid fatback product of the pig and slow cook it to then use it as cooking oil, in pies, in anything really.

Why can’t we sell rendered lard legally right now? Well the USDA and Food protection laws say if you don’t cook food in a $20,000 commercial kitchen, then it’s not safe to sell to the public. We don’t have a commercial kitchen (Yet) and evidently our home kitchen isn’t safe enough to render lard and sell to the consumer. So, we can sell you the fatback or leaf lard, and you can take 2 hours and render it yourself.

Trust me, you can do this!

Ok here it goes.

First, you need to you buy lard from us.

Leaf Lard- It’s lard that’s from the kidneys of the pig and it’s a prized lard for baking and pies. There

Traditional fatback- Lard that is collected all over the pig.

Check out our blog post on the health benefits of lard. We get annoyed with long blog posts that make you read 40 pages before the recipe, so here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1–2 pounds of pig fat (leaf fat or fatback)

• ¼ cup water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fat: Cut the fat into small, even pieces (about ½-inch cubes). This will help it melt more evenly.

2. Heat the Fat: Place the fat pieces in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or slow cooker. Add ¼ cup of water to prevent burning during the initial melting.

3. Cook on Low: Heat the fat on low heat. As the fat melts, it will separate into liquid lard and crispy bits (called cracklings). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.

4. Strain the Lard: Once most of the fat has melted and the cracklings turn golden brown (after about 2–4 hours), strain the liquid lard through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar.

5. Cool and Store: Let the lard cool at room temperature, then cover and store in the fridge for up to 6 months or freeze for longer storage.

So there you have it. How to make your own healthy cooking lard packed with Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Linoleic Acid, and Vitamin D. (Among a lot more!)

Ya’ll make it a great day! Share pictures of your recipes in the comments!