Slanina is a word for fatback in Czech and Slovak languages. And what almost everybody knows is a cut of meat from a domestic pig. In particular, it remains the subcutaneous fat that the butcher obtains from the pig's back. Back of the torso, and flanks, with or without skin. A pig is an animal that has been accompanying Europeans for centuries. Undoubtedly, this is why Romanians, Hungarians, or Poles have mastered the art of breeding and preparing all parts of its flesh. They produce Slanina in many ways. Indeed, it may be raw, salted, grounded, smoked, stewed, or even canned. In Eastern and Central Europe, it is always a highly valued delicacy. Customarily, the inhabitants use this cut to make delicious lard. With greaves, it is a common element of the sandwiches in Poland, Hungary, and Czech. Both fat and Homestyle Lard are also traditional medicines of animal origin out there.
Slanina is tremendously caloric and fatty. Without a doubt, this is why many avoid it. And also because it is a real treasure chest of saturated, non-healthy fats. However, all of them (including saturated ones) provide the body with a concentrated form of energy. They also play an underestimated role in delivering the vitamins A, D, E, and K soluble in them. Palmitic acid present in the lard also regulates the secretion of hormones. Despite these facts, we should responsibly consume this caloric delicacy. Smoked Bacon, Pork Fatback, and Polish Lard should present on our tables only on special occasions. It is because they contain almost no polyunsaturated fatty acids that protect against heart attacks and strokes. Luckily, the European versions are much healthier and with no artificial preservatives. Besides, they do not contain any bone chips, signs of rancidity (yellow color), and other impurities. And their smell is perfect and specific for pure pork fats.