National Lard Day is a holiday that celebrates the culinary versatility and rich history of lard, a rendered fat from pigs. Once shunned due to health concerns and negative publicity, lard is now enjoying a resurgence in popularity, recognized for its flavor-enhancing properties and health benefits.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: December 8
- Tagged as: Food & Drink, Culinary, Agriculture
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalLardDay
- When was it founded?: 2018
- Who founded it?: Healthy Fats Coalition
History of National Lard Day
Lard has been a staple in cooking for centuries, valued for its flavor and utility. However, its popularity waned in the early 20th century due to the rise of vegetable oils and negative publicity from works like Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle.” The Healthy Fats Coalition, aiming to rehabilitate lard’s image, established National Lard Day to educate the public about its culinary and health virtues.
Timeline
- 19th Century: Lard was as popular as butter in North America and Europe.
- Early 20th Century: Lard faced a decline due to the rise of vegetable oils and negative publicity.
- 1990s – Early 2000s: Chefs and food enthusiasts began to champion lard again.
- 2018: The Healthy Fats Coalition founded National Lard Day.
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | December 8 | Sunday |
| 2025 | December 8 | Monday |
| 2026 | December 8 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | December 8 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | December 8 | Friday |
Observed
National Lard Day is observed through various activities that celebrate the use of lard in cooking:
- Cooking with Lard: People are encouraged to use lard in their recipes, from frying to baking.
- Sharing Recipes: Individuals and chefs share their favorite lard-based recipes, highlighting its culinary benefits.
- Lard Tasting Parties: Events where different types of lard are tasted, similar to wine tasting.
Fun Facts About National Lard Day
- Lard contains less saturated fat and cholesterol than an equal amount of butter.
- It’s high in monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy.
- Lard can be used to make pie crusts incredibly flaky and cookies softer.
Quiz
- What is lard made from?
- (Answer: Rendered pig fat)
- Which organization founded National Lard Day?
- (Answer: The Healthy Fats Coalition)
- What is one of the main culinary uses of lard?
- (Answer: Making flaky pie crusts)
FAQs
What are the health benefits of lard?
Lard is a source of natural fats that can lower blood cholesterol levels and contains no trans fats, making it healthier than some other fats.
Can lard be used in vegan cooking?
No, lard is an animal product and not suitable for vegan diets.
How can I celebrate National Lard Day?
You can cook with lard, attend or host a lard tasting party, or share lard-based recipes with friends and family.
Importance of National Lard Day
National Lard Day brings attention to the culinary and nutritional value of lard, promoting sustainable and traditional cooking practices. It encourages a reevaluation of animal fats in our diet, highlighting their benefits over industrially processed oils and fats.
Related
- National Healthy Fats Day: March 21, promoting the benefits of healthy fats in diet.
- National Beef Tallow Day: July 13, coinciding with National French Fry Day, celebrating another traditional fat.
- National Pastry Day: December 9, closely following National Lard Day, focusing on the treats often made with lard.