Should lard be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature? How to cook lard to extend its shelf life?
If it is in the colder autumn or winter season, lard does not need to be stored in the refrigerator; it can be kept at room temperature directly because lard will solidify into a milky white color at low temperatures, it is stable and less prone to going bad.
But if it is in the hot summer, it is advisable to store the lard in the refrigerator because the melting point of lard is between 28°C and 48°C. In high temperatures, it easily melts, oxidizes upon contact with air, and can turn rancid with a rancid taste.
Add vitamin E (generally 2 capsules per kilogram) to the cooling refined oil, which can keep the lard fresh for up to a year and effectively inhibit the formation of toxic nitrosamines.
Cooking lard to extend its shelf life includes adding specific seasonings and using specific storage techniques.
Adding seasonings:
Add ginger, Sichuan pepper, salt, fennel, soybeans, sugar, or bean oil during the cooking process. These seasonings not only enhance the flavor of lard but also help prolong its shelf life. For example, sugar and salt prevent spoilage and inhibit bacterial growth; Sichuan pepper and fennel enhance aroma and have certain antibacterial properties.
Storage techniques:
Place the cooked lard in a clean, light-shielded, sealable container, such as a ceramic jar, to isolate it from external air and light, preventing oxidation and spoilage.
Store the lard in the refrigerator at low temperatures, which not only prevents spoilage but also preserves its original taste and nutritional value.
When the lard has not completely solidified, add an appropriate amount of sugar or salt, stir well, and seal for storage. This method ensures both the taste and nutritional value of the lard and extends its shelf life.
For cases where long-term storage is desired, pour the finished lard into a bowl, wait until it cools to a temperature that is not hot to the touch, add and mix vitamin E, then pour into a sealed container to cool naturally for better lard preservation.
