Lard is a fantastic ingredient that many people love adding to their dishes or baked goods. You may have heard that lard should be refrigerated, or you might have even heard the opposite. This article will tell you everything you need to know about how long lard can stay in the fridge (and other places too!)
As a home cook who loves using pork fat for frying, baking, and flavoring all kinds of dishes, I’m often asked how long pork fat lasts in the fridge. With so much conflicting information out there, it can be confusing to know just how long you can safely store pork fat before it goes bad.
In this article, I’ll provide a definitive guide to maximizing the shelf life of different types of pork fat and how to know when it’s time to toss it out. Let’s dive in!
An Overview of Pork Fat Types
There are a few main kinds of pork fat that are used in cooking
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Raw fatback – The thick, unrendered layer of fat attached to a pig’s back Used for lard and flavoring
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Lard – The rendered and strained fat from fatback. Used for frying and baking.
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Bacon grease – The leftover fat drippings from cooking bacon. Used for flavoring.
Each type has its own ideal storage methods and shelf life, which we’ll explore next.
How Long Does Raw Fatback Last In The Fridge?
When properly stored, raw fatback can last 3-7 days in the refrigerator depending on the source. According to The Spruce Eats, fatback lasts 4-5 days when tightly wrapped in plastic. However, some butchers claim up to 7 days shelf life if vacuum sealed.
The takeaway is fatback’s shelf life depends on storage and its freshness when purchased. If it was already aged a few days before you bought it, expect a shorter fridge life of 3-4 days.
What Is The Shelf Life of Lard In The Fridge?
Rendered lard can last significantly longer than raw fatback in the fridge. Properly stored in an airtight container, lard will last 4-6 months refrigerated. The freezer extends its shelf life even longer to 1-3 years.
One thing that might happen is that lard might become more crumbly and dry if it is kept in the fridge for a long time. Freezing is best for maintaining its consistency.
How Long Does Bacon Grease Last?
Like lard, bacon grease can have an extended shelf life. For up to 6 months, store it in the fridge in a container that won’t let air in. Bacon grease can be kept in the freezer for up to a year before it starts to lose its quality.
Storing Pork Fat For Maximum Freshness
To get the longest shelf life from pork fat, follow these storage tips:
- Keep fat in a tightly sealed container or bag.
- Refrigerate promptly after rendering or opening.
- Freeze for long-term storage to maintain freshness.
- If freezing, allow space in container for expansion.
- Store away from light to prevent oxidation.
With proper storage, you can keep pork fat on hand for months and avoid waste!
How To Tell If Pork Fat Has Spoiled
Despite best storage methods, pork fat can still go bad. Watch for these signs:
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Rancid smell – Strong, unpleasant odor indicates spoilage.
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Change in color – Grayish, brownish, or creamy hue is a red flag.
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Slimy texture – Greasy, sticky, or tacky fat has likely spoiled.
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Mold – Any fuzzy growth means pork fat must be discarded.
When in doubt, remember the old saying “When in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t risk eating rancid pork fat.
Tips For Using Up Leftover Pork Fat
To avoid waste, use up leftover pork fat in these ways:
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Render into lard – Melt down fatback or bacon ends into pure lard.
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Saute vegetables – Fry up greens, potatoes, etc. in bacon grease.
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Flavored cooking oil – Use as the oil for stir fries, eggs, etc.
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Make confit – Cook meat submerged in hot rendered fat.
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Add richness to dishes – Whip into mashed potatoes, soups, etc.
With proper storage, you can enjoy pork fat for months. But once it does go off, be sure to discard it promptly and safely. Your nose knows! With my pork fat freshness guide, you can maximize shelf life without the health risks.
How Long Does Lard Last in the Fridge?
How long does lard last in the fridge? Lard usually stays good in the fridge for a year. Contrary to popular belief, it can also easily surpass the expiration date written on its container.
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!.
A lot of store-bought lard has “best-by” dates on it, but if you keep it in the fridge, it can last even longer.
If kept in the fridge, pure, high-quality lard can last for weeks or even months after the date it says it should be used by. However, keep in mind that those are estimates. You’ll need to look at a few signs to decide if your lard is still good, which I’ll talk about later.
Lucky for you, most brands of lard have a label on the box that tells you when to put it in the fridge or freezer. Different brands also have different expiration dates.
Here are some well-known brands of lard and their shelf life:
| Brand of Lard | Shelf Life |
| Fatworks | 12 to 18 months |
| Morrell Snow Cap | 12 months |
| SCP South Chicago Packing | 12 months |
| Lar | 7 months |
| Proper Food’s Leaf Lard | 2 to 3 months |
Most lard brands claim that refrigerating lard extends its shelf life, and freezing extends it even longer.
Lard is rendered pig fat. For example, it can be used to fry vegetables, as an alternative to vegetable oil, in place of butter, in pie crust, biscuits, and many other recipes.
There isn’t a blog post about rendering lard (yet!), but there is one about rendering tallow, which is made from beef fat.
Should Lard Be Refrigerated After Opening?
Frankly, it doesn’t matter whether your lard container has been opened. Opening a lard container’s lid or wrap does not change anything when it comes to its shelf life. If you store lard that has already been opened, it will last as long as if it were still closed.
Lard doesn’t have to be refrigerated after opening, but it will last longer if it is. It can be kept in the fridge for up to a year or even longer. At room temperature, it will last for 4 to 6 months. It’s important to close the lid tightly when you store lard, though.
Storing Lard | Is Lard Shelf Stable? | Do I Need To Pressure Can Lard?
FAQ
Does pork fat go bad in the fridge?
How long can you keep fat in the fridge?
How long does it take for pork fat to go rancid?
How long can you save pork fat?
How long does pork last in the fridge?
If the temperature of your fridge constantly fluctuates, the pork will have a shorter lifespan. On average, pork will last for 3-5 days as long as your fridge’s temperature remains at 40°F. This rule applies to raw pork chops as well. Unfortunately, fresh or raw ground pork has a shorter lifespan of 2 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Should pork be stored in the refrigerator or freezer?
Remember to store your pork in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as you get it home. The goal of storing pork is to keep it in a temperature range that will not cause bacteria to develop. Ideally, pork should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature at or below 40°F.
How long does pork last on a grill?
The best way to extend pork’s shelf life is by freezing it. As long as it’s stored properly, pork will last indefinitely. However, it would be best to eat the pork in 4-6 months as its texture and flavor will be drastically impacted. There’s nothing like firing up your portable offset grill and grilling up some delicious pork chops.
How long do pork chops last in the fridge?
Even though it is only recommended to keep pork chops in the fridge for 3-5 days, vacuum-sealed pork chops are a bit different. They can last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator as long as they are stored at 40°F. I know what you are thinking; there’s no way I can keep pork chops for up to two weeks. They will be spoiled within a week.