Copius
Lard, drawn for Copius

Lard

Saindoux

Latin nameAdeps suillus
FamilyFats & oils
OriginEurope & China
Season (France)All year
FlavourRich · Meaty · Mild · Creamy
Typical price (France)4–8 €/kg

What it is

Its large fat crystals coat flour particles better than butter does, which is why lard pastry is flakier than any other and why it dominated baking until vegetable shortening arrived and marketing pushed it out.

In the kitchen

Ask for leaf lard, from around the kidneys, if you are baking. The back fat is fine for frying but tastes of pork.

Goes with

Potato Onion Garlic Black pepper Thyme Cabbage T65 bread flour Paprika

Same species

Duck fat

Also used with

Annatto Ayocote bean Black sesame paste Bloody milk cap Brussels sprout Suckling pig

Something wrong here, or missing? Tell us