Should I really save my bacon grease?
Out of all of our delicious pork cuts, I know bacon reigns supreme as your favorite.
Bacon is crispy. Bacon is savory. Bacon is smokey.
Bacon’s flavor has the power to elevate any dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
But amidst the joy of indulging in this beloved breakfast staple, there lies a hidden gem often overlooked - Bacon Grease.
Yes, you heard it right. That golden, flavorful liquid left behind in the pan after frying up a batch of bacon is more than just waste waiting to be disposed of.
It's a culinary powerhouse that can enhance the taste of countless dishes while reducing kitchen waste. So, why should you start saving bacon grease?
Let's dive in.
1. **Flavor Infusion** Bacon grease is a treasure trove of rich, smoky flavor. It's like liquid gold that can impart a depth and complexity to dishes that's hard to replicate with any other ingredient. Whether you're frying eggs, sautéing vegetables, or making soups and stews, a spoonful of bacon grease can take your culinary creations to new heights.
2. **Cost-Effective Cooking** In today's world, where every penny counts, saving bacon grease makes perfect sense. Instead of shelling out money for store-bought fats like butter or oil, why not utilize what you already have on hand? By repurposing bacon grease, you're not only saving money but also reducing food waste in the process.
3. **Environmental Consciousness** With sustainability becoming increasingly important, finding ways to minimize waste in the kitchen is crucial. By saving bacon grease, you're doing your part to reduce the amount of oil and fat that ends up in landfills. It's a small yet meaningful step towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
4. **Bacon Grease is Healthy** What? Yes! Saturated fats like bacon grease have gotten a bad rap in recent history. But saturated fats play essential roles in the body. They are necessary for the structural integrity of cell membranes, the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), and hormone production. Saturated fats also help you feel full longer so you are able to eat in moderation and helps curb unhealthy food cravings.
Now that you're convinced of the benefits, let's talk about how to save bacon grease properly.
After frying up your bacon to crispy perfection, simply pour the leftover grease through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any impurities. Then, transfer it to a clean, airtight container- I like to use an old glass jelly jar. Avoid using plastic as the hot grease can melt a hole into the container and/or leach plastic into your grease.
It’s best to store it in the refrigerator but I leave it on the counter if I know I will be using it later in the day.
It can last for weeks, ready to be used whenever inspiration strikes.
Our family loves frying our Saturday morning pancakes in bacon grease to add a crispy savory edge, loads of flavor and keeps us full longer so I don’t have to worry about a midmorning snack for the kids.
So, the next time you're tempted to pour that precious bacon grease down the drain, think again.
Embrace the power of this humble yet versatile ingredient and let it work its magic in your kitchen.
From adding flavor to reducing waste, saving bacon grease is a simple yet impactful way to take your cooking to the next level.
If you are in need of bacon that is Pasture-Raised, Nitrate Free and actually has some meat on it, be sure to order one of our pork boxes or get on the waiting list for hog purchasing this fall!
