Does Lard Need To Be Refrigerated?

Is lard need to be refrigerated? Is it ruined after it expires? Or would refrigerating it keep it from spoiling? If you’ve been wondering about these questions, you’re in luck because we’re going to address them all in this post.

There is no requirement requiring the fat to be refrigerated. It performs well when kept both on the shelf and in the refrigerator, but there is a twist, some benefits and downsides of the two storage methods that you should be aware of in order to make the best selection.

Which is the best option? Don’t make any decisions until you’ve finished reading this article.

The Fat Called Lard

Lard is a versatile fat that may be used for frying as well as baking. This fat is obtained from the belly of a pig and then processed to remove qualities that would have rendered it unacceptable for cooking and eating.

Does Lard Need To Be Refrigerated?

Yes, lard may be refrigerated if desired, but it is not required. Refrigerating lard is an excellent method of preserving it. It preserves its freshness and quality for a considerably longer period of time. You may get a few additional months of usage out of a refrigerated lard after it has expired.

If you are not a regular user of fat, have it frozen instead. It may be frozen in tiny amounts. Simply place in different containers so you don’t have to thaw the whole thing every time you need it.

When you’re ready to utilize the frozen lard, you may either move it to the fridge or use it right away since the fat will melt away.

See Also: Does Celery Need To Be Refrigerated?

How Long Does The Lard Last In The Fridge?

Lard may often be kept on a shelf for up to six months. However, if refrigerated, it may last up to a year.

How To Know When Your Lard Has Gone Bad

Many people use the scent of lard to determine if it is going to go bad or has already gone bad. While that is correct, it is also critical that you understand its genuine odor in order to avoid mistaking it for nasty when it is not.

There are two kinds of fat, and each has its own particular aroma. We have the standard ones, which are more popular and are utilized by a large number of individuals.

The odor of the fat is comparable to that of pig flesh. There’s also the leaf lard. Unlike conventional lard, the scent of leaf lard is extremely light and nearly non-existent.

You can tell the difference between a fat that has gone bad and its natural scent now that you know what it smells like.

But, apart from the stench, there are other issues to consider before eventually getting rid of that fat for good. Let’s have a look at them:

1. Presence Of Mold

When you observe mold growth or other strange things or discoloration on top of your lard, it is an indication that it is ready to go bad.

This is generally due to your own carelessness, such as the technique and manner in which it was scooped the last time you used it. It may also happen to fat that has been sitting on the shelf for a long period without being utilized.

The good news is that the appearance of mold does not always indicate that your fat has gone bad. Simply scrape out the surface and recover the remainder.

See Also: Can You Refrigerate Avocados?

2. Awful Taste

Lard has a particular flavor and taste. Check to see if there is a change in taste if you feel it is rotten.

If the taste of the leaf fat is anything other than its natural mild flavor, it should be discarded since it is definitely no longer edible.

3. Terrible Smell

Many folks have their fat reused for frying over and over again. However, before reuse, you must first verify the odour. When it starts to smell stale, you know it’s garbage.

Aside from being stale, you should discard your lard if it smells like paint or a mixture of chemicals, smells like detergent, or has any other unusual odor.

How To Storage Lard The Right Way

There are a few things you should know in order to keep your lard properly kept and maintained for a long time. They are briefly summarized below:

1. After each usage, double-check that the lid is securely closed. If you are unable to firmly seal it, have it moved into a zip lock bag and refrigerate.
2. Always store it in the refrigerator. This will help it preserve its taste and flavor and prevent it from spoiling before its expiry date.
3. When using the lard, ensure sure the scooping device is clean and clear of dirt. Using unclean things for scooping is unsanitary and indirectly promotes mold development.
4. Many individuals make the error of converting used lard scraps into unusable lard. That is a colossal blunder. It is the quickest method to have the unused one infected and damaged. You should keep used lard in a separate container.

See Also: Should You Refrigerate Apples?

Conclusion

It is entirely optional to keep lard refrigerated. When refrigerated, however, your lard has a higher chance of preserving its quality for a longer period of time.

But here’s the thing: your lard may still be edible long after it should have expired.

Is lard need to be refrigerated? No, not always. Is there any benefit to keeping your lard refrigerated? There are, indeed. Especially if it is something you may not be able to do in a short period of time.