Fatback

Fatback refers to a cut of salt-cured pork taken from the upper back of a pig. It's primarily composed of fatty tissue with a layer of skin and may or may not include a thin layer of lean meat. fatback is valued for its rich flavor and high fat content, used to enhance dishes, add texture, and create other pork products such as bacon, sausage and lard. It is often rendered to produce cooking fat or used as a flavoring ingredient in various cuisines, particularly Southern and soul food.

Fatback meaning with examples

• Granny always started her collard greens with a generous chunk of fatback to impart a savory, smoky depth of flavor. She would render the fat slowly in the pot before adding the greens, onions, and seasonings.
• The chef emphasized that the secret to his award-winning cornbread lay in the finely diced fatback he incorporated into the batter, resulting in a moist and flavorful loaf with a subtle porky taste.
• Many Southern cooks reserve the fatback drippings for frying chicken or biscuits, claiming it gives them a unique taste that other oils cannot replicate, elevating basic meal prep.
• For authentic Southern comfort food, fatback is essential. It provides a base for dishes like beans, stews, and grits, enriching the meal.