The jar on the stove in virtually every Black Southern household. Deeply embedded, culturally sacred, high saturated fat — use it like the luxury ingredient it now is.
The bacon grease jar on the stove is one of the most universally recognized symbols of Black Southern home cooking. It was brilliant food waste management from people who could not afford to waste anything.
Bacon grease is approximately 40% saturated fat, 50% monounsaturated fat (primarily oleic acid, the same as olive oil). The issue is not a single spoonful — it is the cumulative daily use across every dish.
If using, treat as a luxury flavoring in small amounts. One teaspoon to season greens is very different from two tablespoons to fry eggs. Store in the refrigerator — rancidity develops faster at room temperature.
Free, no account needed to ask.