Pork Back Fat

Pork back fat, often called fatback, is the firm subcutaneous fat taken from the pig’s back, typically sold in slabs with or without the rind. It is prized for its clean pork flavor, high melting quality, and ability to add juiciness and a lush mouthfeel to otherwise lean preparations.

In charcuterie and sausage making, well-chilled back fat is cubed and dispersed to provide moisture retention and a pleasant bite. It can be rendered into lard for frying and baking, used to bard lean roasts, or diced into pâtés and terrines; when cooked gently, it becomes silky and tender.