The Lost Art of Leaf Lard: A Whole Food with Big Benefits

In a world full of refined oils and hard-to-pronounce ingredients, leaf lard is a quiet reminder that some of the best foods are the simplest ones. Once a staple in farm kitchens, this pure, rendered fat from around the pig’s kidneys is making a well-deserved comeback — and for good reason.

A Whole Food That Your Body Understands

Unlike industrial seed oils that go through heavy processing, organic leaf lard is a whole food. That means it’s in its natural form — easy for your body to recognize, digest, and put to use. It supports the body rather than fighting against it, making it a nourishing fat choice for everyday cooking.

Naturally Anti-Inflammatory

You might be surprised to learn that good fats can actually help reduce inflammation. Because leaf lard contains a balanced mix of monounsaturated and saturated fats, it supports steady energy and healthy hormones — without the inflammatory effects of many modern oils.

Rich in Vitamin D

If your lard comes from pasture-raised animals (like ours here at Living Prairie), it’s also naturally high in vitamin D. That’s the sunshine vitamin that supports immune function, bone health, and mood — all from a single spoonful of traditional fat.

The Best Fat for Baking and High-Heat Cooking

Leaf lard shines in the kitchen. It has a high smoke point, meaning it stays stable at high temperatures — perfect for frying, roasting, or sautéing. And when it comes to baking, nothing beats it. Bakers have long prized leaf lard for its ability to create unbelievably flaky pie crusts and tender pastries with a clean, subtle flavour.

Bringing It Back to the Table

Using leaf lard isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about reconnecting with real, time-tested foods that our bodies thrive on. Whether you’re frying eggs in the morning, roasting vegetables for supper, or crafting a batch of homemade balms, this traditional fat has a place in your modern kitchen.

Organic Leaf Lard — Pint / 500ml Jar – $16Available at Living Prairie. Gently rendered in small batches from our pasture-raised animals.