Safety dates, or how long lard can be stored in the refrigerator
Pork lard is one of the popular food products.
Before use, it must be stored correctly, taking into account the type of product (fresh, smoked or salted) and in compliance with the deadlines.
We will tell you in the article whether and how to properly store lard in the refrigerator.
Storage Features
The length of time the lard is stored and the conditions are largely determined by the method of its preparation.
The following general rules apply:
- content at a temperature not higher than +10? C;
- avoiding contact with products, especially those with a strong odor.
In this case, it is better to immediately divide a large piece into several, and pack each one separately. This technique will allow you to defrost exactly as much product as you need at one time.
If it is not possible to store products in a refrigerator, a cellar can be used. But suitable conditions must be created in it - the possibility of the pieces being suspended, low humidity and air access.
Lard, as a food product, has a rich composition containing polyunsaturated fatty arachidonic acid, vitamins and other substances necessary for the body.
Duration
The best conditions for keeping lard are the freezer and refrigerator. Shelf life is in a wide range, taking into account pre-processing.
Fresh
Fresh lard is a raw product that has not been subjected to any processing.In this form, it can be kept in the refrigerator for no more than 4-5 days. If it takes longer, the pieces will have to be salted, boiled, marinated, etc.
An alternative method is freezing.. At low temperatures and without contact with other products, lard can be stored for up to 3 years.
In this case, it is advisable to freeze it immediately after purchase, dividing it into pieces and packaging it. Defrost the pieces as needed on a shelf in the refrigerator.
Without a refrigerator, fresh products cannot be stored for long. The time limit is up to 6 hours, in paper – up to 10 hours.
Salty
Salted lard prepared from fresh in several ways:
- By sprinkling with salt (or a mixture of salt and pepper). It is also possible to salt with the addition of other spices, including garlic. The preparation process takes on average 5 days. During this time the product is under pressure.
- In brine.
When kept in the refrigerator, the pieces must be individually packaged and placed at a distance of at least 10 mm from each other in one row to ensure air access.
Smoked
Lard that has been smoked can also be stored in the refrigerator. The duration of its lying down is up to half a month.. The pieces are first packed in paper and then wrapped in cling film. The product can remain in this form for up to a couple of months.
The shelf life is affected by the smoking method. It can be hot or cold.In the first case, the product has a more pronounced pleasant aroma, but it cannot remain open in the refrigerator for more than two weeks. Smoked meat will last up to two months in paper.
Cold smoked lard should also be kept in a dark and cool place. The lower the temperature in the refrigerator compartment, the better. For cold smoked lard, it is especially important that the storage area has low humidity.
If you have prepared a lot of smoked meats, you can freeze them. If all conditions are met, they can be kept in the freezer for up to a year. But it should be borne in mind that freezing a smoked product can significantly deteriorate its taste and aroma.
To prevent lard from losing its taste, it is advisable to cook it in small portions.
How to store it correctly?
Storage rules for all types of lard require that it be kept in the refrigerator or freezer. A prerequisite is proper packaging and no contact with other products (fresh and prepared).
If necessary transportation It is possible to use a thermal bag, a cooler bag.
Prepared lard can be transported in vacuum packaging, in paper or in glass containers, filled with brine.
Polyethylene is not suitable for storage in the refrigerator. In this case, the product will be deprived of air access and may “suffocate”.
Long-term storage of lard at very low temperatures (below -18? C) can worsen its taste. Therefore, it is better not to use this option unless necessary.
Signs of damage
If stored in unsuitable conditions or for a longer period than recommended, lard may deteriorate.
This can be determined by the following signs:
- the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
- formation of mucus on the surface;
- color change;
- the appearance of mold.
In order for the product to be stored well and delight you with its taste, you must choose only fresh lard for cooking, which has no signs of spoilage.
Conclusion
Moderate consumption of lard allows you to saturate the body with useful substances. If there are no medical contraindications to the use of the product, it can be prepared in various ways. The optimal storage conditions for such a product are in the refrigerator..
