12/04/2018 / By Mary Miller
Pig fat is an underrated culinary ingredient. Commonly known as lard, it is often considered “unhealthy” fat that can clog up your arteries. However, lard is actually healthier than most people have been led to believe.
Lard isn’t just for cooking. It is a versatile substance that has many practical uses. Here are a few good reasons why preppers should stockpile lard for everyday use even before SHTF. (h/t to AskAPrepper.com)
Lard is rendered pork fat, often taken from a pig’s belly, that has been strained of any meat bits or other impurities. During the Great Depression, many people used lard to help them survive and stave off malnutrition. It was cheap, accessible, and rich in calories. As such, it was commonly used in cooking, baking, frying, and preserving other foods. It is actually lower in saturated fat than butter or any other animal fat. Lard provides many essential calories, but contains no trans fats. It is also a good source of essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E and K. (Related: Frying your food in lard is healthier than using sunflower oil, say scientists.)
As lard is also used for food preservation, it should come as no surprise that it has incredible staying power. It can stay fresh for much longer, compared to butter, vegetable oil or coconut oil. Without refrigeration, you can keep it stored in an airtight container for as long as three months. You can also substantially extend its shelf life by keeping it sealed in the freezer for up to three years. However, to keep it fresh, you may need to occasionally reheat your lard every few months, and pour it into a new container with a nice, smooth surface. Outside of cooking, lard can also potentially be utilized for a number of household uses.
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