Rendered pork fat for frying potatoes or eggs
Rendered pork fat, often called lard, is a traditional cooking fat made by slowly melting down pork fat trimmings. It's a staple in many cuisines, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, China, and parts of the Americas, used for frying potatoes, eggs, or other foods to impart a rich, savory flavor.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This is a pure fat source, so it is very high in fat and contains no carbohydrates or protein. It provides a dense source of calories and fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin D, with a typical serving containing around 115-120 calories per tablespoon.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbs | 0 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 0 mg |
| Vitamin D | 1.7 mcg |
| Vitamin K | 1.0 mcg |
| Choline | 1.5 mg |
| Saturated Fat | 5.0 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6.0 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g |
Per 1 tablespoon (14 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, lard has been a cornerstone of traditional cooking for centuries, valued for its high smoke point and ability to create flaky pastries. Nutritionally, it's interesting because its saturated fat content is often debated, but it also contains monounsaturated fats similar to those found in olive oil.
