What is Lard?

Lard is the rendered fat of a pig, and it can be used in cooking and baking. Historically, lard has been a popular cooking ingredient, and was commonly used in many cuisines as a cooking fat or shortening, or as a spread similar to butter.

Its use in contemporary cuisine has diminished because of health concerns posed by its saturated-fat content and its often negative image. In some countries, lard can be difficult to obtain, because consumers perceive it as being unhealthier than butter or vegetable shortening. Many contemporary cooks and bakers, however, favor it over other fats for select uses.

A slice of bread spread with lard was a typical staple in traditional rural cuisine of many countries.