Beef tallow is making a big comeback. At one time, this healthy fat was a kitchen staple. Today, more and more people are turning to it again. It’s natural, easy to cook with, and full of healthy fats. Whether you’re cooking a crispy batch of fries or making skin balm, it has a place in your kitchen and bathroom.
Let’s dive into what beef tallow is, why it’s so good, how to use it, and why you might want to try it today.
Table of Contents
What Is Beef Tallow?
It is a type of fat that comes from beef. It’s made by slowly heating beef fat (called suet) until it melts. Then the liquid is strained and cooled. Once it’s hard, you have tallow.
It’s been used for hundreds of years in cooking, soap, candles, and even skincare. But during the 1900s, many people switched to vegetable oils. Now, people are realizing that animal fats like tallow can actually be good for you when used the right way.
Health Benefits
🥩 It Is Rich in Healthy Fats
Beef tallow contains mostly saturated and monounsaturated fats. These help your body stay full longer and give you lasting energy. Unlike many processed oils, tallow is natural and unrefined.
According to Healthline, beef tallow contains CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), which may support heart health and reduce inflammation.
🧠 Good for Your Brain and Body
Your brain needs healthy fats to work well. Tallow is packed with fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are good for your skin, bones, and immune system.
❌ No Chemicals or Additives
Unlike many store-bought oils, real it has no added chemicals. When you render it at home or buy from a trusted source, you know exactly what you’re getting.
How to Use Beef Tallow in Cooking
🍳 Cooking with Beef Tallow
It has a high smoke point. That means it can get really hot without burning, making it perfect for:
- Frying potatoes or chicken
- Sautéing vegetables
- Greasing pans
- Making homemade pie crusts (yes, really!)
🍟 Why Restaurants Love Beef Tallow
Before fast-food places switched to vegetable oil, they used it to fry their fries. Many people say it gave fries a richer, better flavor. Some places are bringing it back for that classic taste.
Non-Food Uses of Beef Tallow
🧼 Beef Tallow in Soap and Skincare
It is very gentle on the skin. It melts into your skin, locks in moisture, and can even help heal dry or cracked spots. People use it to make:
- Lip balms
- Lotions
- Soaps
- Beard balms
According to Wellness Mama, tallow is similar to the oils your own skin makes. That’s why it absorbs so well.
How to Make it at Home
Want to try making your own beef tallow? It’s easier than you think.
🔪 Step-by-Step Guide:
- Get suet (beef fat) – You can ask your local butcher for this.
- Chop it up into small pieces.
- Put it in a pot on low heat.
- Stir often and let it melt slowly.
- Strain the liquid fat through a fine strainer or cheesecloth.
- Pour into a jar and let it cool.
That’s it! You now have pure beef tallow, ready to use.
Is Beef Tallow Better Than Other Cooking Fats?
🍀 Tallow vs. Vegetable Oil
- Vegetable oils are highly processed. Many contain additives and may go rancid easily.
- Tallow is natural, stable, and full of nutrients. It’s also shelf-stable at room temperature.
🧈 Tallow vs. Butter
- Butter is also great, but it can burn quickly at high heat. Tallow handles heat better and gives food a different kind of crispiness.
Where to Buy Beef Tallow
If you don’t want to make it yourself, you can buy it. Look for beef tallow at:
- Local butcher shops
- Farmers’ markets
- Online stores like US Wellness Meats
Always choose grass-fed tallow if possible. It has more nutrients and a cleaner taste.
FAQs
Is it healthy?
Yes! it has healthy fats and important vitamins. It’s a great alternative to processed oils.
What does it taste like?
It has a mild beef flavor but isn’t too strong. It adds depth to your cooking without overpowering it.
Can I use it on my skin?
Absolutely! Many people use it for dry skin, lip balm, and even diaper rash cream.
How long does it last?
If stored in a cool, dark place, it can last for months without going bad. In the fridge, it lasts even longer.
Is it good for frying?
Yes, it has a high smoke point, which makes it perfect for deep-frying foods like chicken, fries, and more.
Conclusion
Beef tallow is natural, full of healthy fats, and super useful. It’s great in the kitchen and even better for your skin. From cooking to skincare, it proves that old-fashioned fats still have a place in our modern lives.
So, if you’ve never tried it before, now’s the time. Whether you buy it or make your own, beef tallow might just become your new favorite healthy fat.