Barding
Barding is the technique of wrapping meat, typically poultry or game, in strips of fat or bacon to enhance moisture and flavor during cooking.
What it means in a kitchen
In a working kitchen, barding is critical when preparing lean cuts of meat that are prone to drying out. The added fat bastes the meat as it cooks, ensuring a moist and flavorful final product. This technique is particularly important for roasting, where even cooking and moisture retention are paramount.
Common misunderstanding
Many people confuse barding with larding, which involves inserting strips of fat into the meat rather than wrapping it. Additionally, some may believe that barding is only necessary for certain types of meat, when in fact it can enhance any lean protein.
Example
When roasting a turkey, you might bard it with strips of bacon placed over the breast to keep the meat moist and add flavor. The bacon fat will render during cooking, basting the turkey and creating a deliciously crispy skin.