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Pastured Lard vs Store Bought

Energy cannot be created or destroyed…a simple fact that every child learns in science class. Take that knowledge and apply it to everything! Pastured Pigs are like batteries that are being charged daily with vitamin D from the sun, vitamins and minerals from the grasses they graze, and nutrients from the earth. The energy they collect cannot be destroyed. It is in their lard and meat. All of those vitamins and minerals are there for you to be nourished by.

Pastured lard is one of the best vitamin D sources on the planet, nearly as high in this crucial vitamin/hormone as cod liver oil. Lard from pasture-raised pigs may also be higher in other fat-soluble vitamins.

Unfortunately, lard from commercial pigs is not nearly as healthy. Pigs raised in confined animal feeding operations rarely see the light of day. These animals are stressed, deprived of their natural food sources, and drastically lower in vitamin D. They are never given the opportunity to absorb the crucial building blocks they need.

One more reason selecting lard from pasture-raised pigs is important. Unlike cows, pigs can’t metabolize unhealthy fats into healthy ones. Pigs are what they eat, and so are you!

Nutrition

It is 40% saturated, 48% monounsaturated (including small amounts of antimicrobial palmitoleic acid) and 12% polyunsaturated. It is a stable fat, wonderful to fry with. The amount of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in lard varies according to the diet of the pigs. If their diet is full of green plants and/or nuts, which are foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, then their fat will reflect this. This is why lard from forage grazed pigs is higher in omega 3 fatty acids, than lard from pigs fed a more conventional diet consisting mostly of grains. 

Uses

Lard can be used in any place you would use vegetable oil.

• sautéing vegetables
• frying foods
• baking
• seasoning pans

Lard can also be used to make health and beauty products like

• Lip balms
• soaps
• lotions

Lard can even be used to make candles.

Recipes

Recipes for health/beauty products coming soon.

Storage

Lard that is rendered down and completely void of impurities and water is considered shelf-stable. If, by chance, your lard isn’t completely pure, you’ll want to store it in the refrigerator or freezer and watch for any signs of mold.

Lard doesn’t have to be refrigerated after opening, but it will last longer if it is. It will last up to a year or even more in the fridge and about 4 to 6 months at room temperature. It’s important to close the lid tightly when you store lard, though

Availability

Pastured Lard can be added to your Pork Share when purchasing from us. Just ask when contacting about your order.