Lard Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Lard Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Lard Day is observed on December 8th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Lard Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you should know about Lard Day.

📅 What day is Lard Day 2024?

In 2024, Lard Day is on Friday, December 8th. It is the 2nd Friday in December; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the exciting details and facts about December 8, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Lard Day is celebrated annually on December 8th. Despite being neglected for many years, lard is now gaining popularity as a healthier option compared to refined oil and butter. During this day, you can discover different ways to incorporate fat into your everyday cooking, such as frying, baking, and pan searing. Lard is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes. Unlike artificial trans fats, lard undergoes minimal processing. Explore the health benefits of animal fat in today’s food culture.

📜 Lard Day History

In the early 1900s, vegetable shortening was introduced as an alternative to pig fat, which had received negative publicity. This allowed vegetable oils to be used as a solid fat for baking. A German scientist named E.C. Kayser presented this discovery to food corporations, specifically Procter & Gamble, in 1907. The product, known as Crisco, resembled and cooked like lard but was made from hydrogenated cottonseed oil instead of pig fat. This breakthrough revolutionized cooking and Crisco became a popular household item by the 1960s, gradually replacing lard. However, in the 1990s, chefs and food experts rediscovered the unique properties of lard after the high trans fat content of vegetable oil was revealed. Despite this, lard remains in high demand in North American and European kitchens, even in the present day.

✅ Lard Day Facts

🔖 It has a high smoking point
Butter has a lower smoking point compared to lard.

🔖 There’s no need to refrigerate it
Lard has the ability to stay in solid form when kept at room temperature.

🔖 It has large fat crystals
Unlike oil, lard contains large fat crystals that are ideal for use as a shortening agent.

👍 Why Is Lard Day Important

If you grew up using butter in your cooking, lard is a new option you should explore. It’s not only less expensive, but it’s also less processed.

If you want to make your cuisine taste richer, fat is the way to go. It has more fat, which makes all sorts of foods tastier, richer, and more delicious.

Lard does not oxidize or degrade, reducing the number of damaging free radicals. Unlike other oils, such as extra virgin olive oil, lard has no carbon impact when cooked at high temperatures.

🙂 How To Observe Lard Day

⚡ Bake your favorite dessert
Lard is not just limited to savory dishes; it is also renowned for producing pie crusts that are flakier and have a richer flavor. When it comes to baking, lard serves as an excellent substitute for butter in a variety of treats such as cakes, pies, and pastries.

⚡ Buy lard from the local market
By buying lard from a nearby market, you are not only supporting local farmers but also contributing to the growth of the local lard industry and economy.

⚡ Enjoy a platter of crispy fried chicken
Fried chicken is a popular way to utilize fat, as it results in a deliciously crispy and moist dish. Lard, in particular, is renowned for elevating the flavor and texture of fried foods.

📅 When is Lard Day?

View all 🔗 December holidays, including 🔗 Food & Beverage and other 🔗 Cooking holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Lard Day. So be sure to check back soon.