Where Can I Buy Pork Dripping with Jelly? Your Guide to Finding and Cooking with This Traditional Fat

Pork dripping, sometimes called pork grease, is a type of rendered fat made from roasted pork. It was once very common in British kitchens, used for frying, roasting, and spreading on bread. Dripping often contains some meat juices and gelatin, giving it a soft texture with jelly-like bits. This is sometimes called pork dripping “with jelly.”

In today’s health-conscious world, you don’t see pork dripping used as often. But it’s making a comeback, thanks to its rich depth of flavor and nostalgic appeal If you want to cook with pork dripping or just try it for the first time, here’s everything you need to know

What Exactly Is Pork Dripping?

Pork dripping starts with fatty pork cuts that are roasted until the fat renders and drips out, leaving behind crispy crackling. The hot melted fat is then strained and cooled. When chilled, the fat rises to the top and solidifies, while any juices and gelatin remain suspended underneath, forming a soft jelly-like layer

Traditionally, pork dripping was saved and reused after roasting pork joints or making bacon. The leftover fat provided flavor for future cooking at no extra cost. Frugal cooks also used drippings from beef, lamb, chicken, and goose in similar thrifty ways.

These days, most of us don’t roast fatty cuts of meat as often. So commercial pork dripping is made by rendering and straining pork fat specifically to produce the cooking fat. It’s usually sold in tubs or jars.

Where Can I Buy Pork Dripping?

You may be able to find pork dripping in the meat section of large supermarkets, sold in small tubs or jars. Butchers may also carry their own homemade versions.

For the widest selection, specialty online retailers are your best source. They offer drippings from small artisan producers, often available in larger quantities than what you’ll see locally.

Two great options are:

• Poe’s Pork Dripping – Sold in 225g jars, made by hand in small batches.

• Grasmere Farm Pork Dripping – Available in 250g pots from a family farm in Lincolnshire, England.

You can also easily make your own pork dripping at home if you cook pork shoulder, pork belly, or other fatty cuts. Just collect the fatty drippings, strain, cook down, and refrigerate. Homemade often contains those delicious jelly-like bits that add tons of flavor.

How Is Pork Dripping Used in Cooking?

Pork dripping has a very high smoke point, so it’s excellent for high-heat frying and roasting. The rich, meaty flavor also adds savory depth to all kinds of dishes. Here are some of the most common ways it’s used:

• Frying potatoes – Dripping gives roast potatoes or home fries incredible crunch and flavor.

• Making gravy – Add a spoonful to pan drippings to enrich gravy and sauces.

• Roasting vegetables – Toss chopped veggies in a little dripping before roasting.

• Cooking eggs – Fry eggs in dripping for a breakfast treat.

• Spreading on toast – Apply lightly melted dripping on hot toast for a delicious traditional snack.

• Baking – Use a small amount in place of butter or oil to add meaty notes to baked goods.

• Making pie crust – Cut cold dripping into flour for savory, flaky pastry.

• Adding to stews or beans – Stir in a spoonful to lentils, beans, soups, or stews for a flavor boost.

The jelly-like bits in pork dripping provide extra meaty punch. But they can burn quickly if overheated. For the cleanest flavor, render the dripping again before frying or roasting at very high temps.

Is Pork Dripping Healthy?

Like any animal fat, pork dripping is high in saturated fat and calories. Health experts often recommend limiting intake of saturated fats to help control cholesterol. Pork dripping also contains cholesterol itself.

However, traditional fats like pork dripping have gained more appreciation in recent years. Many people feel that consuming moderate amounts of quality, homemade animal fats is fine within an overall healthy diet. This contrasts with the heavily processed vegetable and seed oils that became popular replacements for animal fats.

If you want to try pork dripping but still watch your saturated fat intake, use just small amounts to add flavor to dishes. Drizzle lightly on toast rather than slathering thickly, for example. Or use a spoonful to boost the taste of stews and beans instead of cooking everything in dripping. This provides the delicious flavor without overdoing the amount.

Cooking Tips for Pork Dripping

Pork dripping is easy to use in cooking once you get the knack. Here are some tips:

• Warm first – Let the dripping come to room temperature or warm gently before measuring so it’s easy to scoop and melt.

• Use thin drizzles – When frying eggs or vegetables, add in thin drizzles around the pan instead of big globs. This helps the dripping spread evenly as it melts without burning.

• Combine with oil – Mix a small amount of dripping into vegetable or olive oil when sautéing veggies, greens, or meats to add flavor.

• Roast meats or veggies in a pan – Spread a thin layer over the bottom of the pan before roasting for added flavor.

• Add at the end – Toss veggies, pasta, or beans with a drizzle of dripping right at the end of cooking to keep the color and texture intact.

• Strain for frying – Render and strain one more time if the jelly bits start to burn when frying at high heat.

With its versatility to add rich flavor and golden crunch, it’s easy to see why pork dripping is regaining popularity. A little goes a long way, so try using small amounts when cooking to experience this tasty traditional fat. Just shop around online to find a good source of quality pork dripping. Then let the sizzling and delicious aroma transport you back to grandma’s kitchen!