Can You Freeze Lard? (& For How Long)

Lard is a versatile ingredient that I've come to appreciate more than ever as an adult who grew up on turkey bacon. From biscuits to tamales, this traditional fat has been used for generations, and is a staple in many kitchens, including my own.

However, if you're like me, you may have found yourself with more lard than you can use in the immediate future. That's where freezing lard comes in. But can you freeze lard? And if so, how long can lard last in the freezer? 

The short answer is yes, you can freeze lard. Freezing lard can be a great way to extend its shelf life and ensure that you always have some on hand for your favorite recipes. However, there are some things to keep in mind when freezing lard, which we cover below.

Freezing lard - also known as pig fat, bacon fat, or pork oil - is an excellent way and efficient way to extend its shelf life. You can freeze it without affecting its quality, but proper storage is crucial to prevent freezer burn and rancidity.

Portion it out into smaller containers or freezer bags, then label them with the date and freeze them for up to one year. To freeze lard properly, you should follow these steps:

1. Cut it into small pieces or cubes, if possible.
2. Place it in an airtight container or a freezer bag.
3. Label the container or bag with the date of freezing.
4. Place the container or bag in the freezer, preparably a deeper, cooler part.

Freezing lard can make it harder and more challenging to work with, so it's essential to thaw it before use. The best way to thaw it is by placing it in the refrigerator or at room temperature ahead of time.

Unless you plan to use it all at once, avoid using the microwave to thaw lard it since it can cause the fat to separate, affecting the texture and flavor. 

One way to freeze lard is by using a glass or ceramic container, which is my own preferred way to freeze lard. This method involves pouring hot lard or slicing refigerated lard into small pieces and putting it into containers, which can then be placed in the freezer. 

1. Pour hot lard into a thick glass container or cut cooled lard into small pieces or cubes.
2. Place the cut pieces into a freezer-safe container.
3. Seal the container tightly, making sure there is no excess air inside.
4. Label the container with the date of freezing.
5. Place the container in the freezer.

Another method for freezing lard is using ice cube trays, though if you're working with hot lard, make sure to use silicone trays and let it cool to room temp before freezing. 

1. Pour the lard into silicone ice cube trays or cut cooled lard into small pieces or cubes.
2. Press any cut pieces of lard it into an ice cube tray.
3. Cover the tray with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
4. Label the tray with the date of freezing.
5. Place the tray in the freezer (you can pop out the pieces once frozen and store tham into a bag, if desired).

The last method for freezing lard is using freezer bags. This method involves chunking it out into small, airtight bags, which can be placed in the freezer, with or without ice cube trays in the first step. 

1. Cut a cooled slab of lard into small pieces or cubes.
2. Place the pieces into a freezer bag.
3. Seal the bag tightly, making sure there's no air inside.
4. Label the bag with the date of freezing.
5. Place the bag in the freezer.

No matter which method you choose, it's important to make sure the container that you use is completely sealed and labeled with the date of freezing. This will help you keep track of how long it's been in the freezer, especially if you make it a habit of freezing excess lard.

When you're ready to use your frozen lard, you'll need to thaw it first. Fortunately, thawing is a simple process that requires no special equipment or skills. Here are a few ways to thaw lard:

1. In the Refrigerator

The best way to thaw lard is to place it in the refrigerator. Simply transfer the frozen lard from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw for several hours or overnight. This slow thawing process will ensure that it remains at a safe temperature and thaws evenly.

2. In Cold Water

If you need to thaw frozen lard quickly, you can use the cold water method. First, place it in a leak-proof bag and seal it. Then, submerge the bag in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until it is thawed. This method is faster but will require more attention than a set-it-and-forget it fridge thaw.

3. In the Microwave

While it's possible to thaw frozen lard in the microwave, I don't recommend it as the best method. It's fine for melting a very small amount at a time, but it can also cause lard to melt unevenly and may even fully cook it in some spots.

If you must use the microwave, use the defrost setting and check it every 30 seconds or so to ensure it doesn't overheat.