Nancy Poli grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and had no agricultural experience when she moved to her farm in the Pocono Mountains more than 20 years ago.
Back then, Poli kept a few horses and chickens on the farm. Later, her son, Nolan Thevenet, expressed an interest in raising sheep.
Poli had another idea.
âI asked him if he would raise one pig for me because I didnât like the taste of the pork from the store,â she said.
One pig eventually blossomed into Stryker Farm, a family-run operation in Saylorsburg, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, that raises beef, lamb and pork on pasture.
Lard makes a comeback as trends play to the maligned fat s strengths
The once out of favor ingredient is finding its way into more recipes as the idea of fat in moderation gains acceptance and consumers aim to reduce waste by using more of the animal. Published May 13, 2021 Courtesy of Nolan Thevenet
Nolan Thevenet, the owner of Stryker Farm in Pennsylvania, said it wasn t that long ago that lard was destined for the garbage at his operation rather than a serious way to make money.
In just a few years, the pig byproduct has suddenly become a hot commodity on his farm as more consumers embrace the ingredient coveted for its flavor and color despite the decidedly unhealthy reputation that has followed it for decades.