Beef tallow is a versatile and long-lasting cooking fat that has been used for centuries. It’s made from rendered cow or mutton fat and is solid at room temperature.
But how long can you keep it before it goes bad?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the shelf life of beef tallow and share tips on how to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and edible.
Whether you’re a prepper looking to extend the shelf life of your cooking fats or just curious about this traditional ingredient, read on to learn more about how long beef tallow is good for.
How Long Is Beef Tallow Good For?
Beef tallow has a long shelf life compared to other cooking fats and oils. At room temperature, it can last up to 12 months. If you refrigerate it, the shelf life can be extended up to 18 months. And if you freeze it, beef tallow can last for over two years.
However, to ensure that your beef tallow reaches its expiration date, you need to take extra precautions to keep it fresh and edible. Exposure to air, sunlight, and heat can all affect the quality of your beef tallow. Proper packaging and storage location are also important factors to consider.
When storing beef tallow, it’s best to keep it in an airtight container. This will prevent air from getting in and causing oxidation, which can lead to rancidity. If you’re storing it in the pantry or on the kitchen counter, make sure it’s covered and out of direct sunlight.
If you’re not planning on using your beef tallow within a month, it’s recommended that you store it in the refrigerator. This will help to slow down the oxidation process and keep it fresh for longer. Beef tallow will solidify in the fridge, so you’ll need to take it out and let it come to room temperature before using it.
For long-term storage, dividing your beef tallow into smaller containers and freezing them is the best option. Beef tallow can last for years in the freezer, so you’ll always have a supply on hand when you need it.
What Is Beef Tallow?
Beef tallow is a versatile cooking fat that is made by rendering the fat of cattle or sheep, typically the fat that surrounds the animal’s organs. The process of rendering involves heating the suet gently to separate the fat from any remaining muscle or connective tissue. The result is a pure fat that solidifies at room temperature.
Beef tallow has been used in a variety of ways throughout history, including as an ingredient and as a cooking oil. It has also been used in making soap, candles, as a healing salve and skin balm, as well as a lubricant for wood, leather, and metalworking industries.
Today, beef tallow is primarily used as a cooking fat due to its high smoke point of 420°F, which means it can withstand high cooking temperatures without oxidizing and becoming rancid. It is also commonly used as a balm, salve, or cleanser for the skin because it contains fatty acids in a similar proportion to human skin, making it easily absorbed. Beef tallow is antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory, making it particularly healing for rashes and other inflammatory skin conditions as well as cuts and scrapes.
Beef tallow from grass-fed cattle contains essential nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are necessary for hormonal, neurological, and cardiovascular health, bone and muscle growth, and immune function. It is also an excellent source of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), a powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidant that is effective at burning fat.
The Shelf Life Of Beef Tallow
Beef tallow is a highly shelf-stable cooking fat that can last for a long time when stored properly. When kept at room temperature, beef tallow has a shelf life of up to 12 months. This means that you can keep it in your pantry or on the kitchen counter without worrying about it going bad for an entire year.
If you want your beef tallow to last even longer, you can store it in the refrigerator. When refrigerated, beef tallow can last for up to 18 months. This is because the cooler temperature slows down the oxidation process, which is what causes fats and oils to go rancid.
For even longer-term storage, freezing your beef tallow is the best option. When frozen, beef tallow can last for over two years. It’s important to divide the tallow into smaller containers before freezing it so that you can thaw only what you need at a time.
To ensure that your beef tallow stays fresh and edible for as long as possible, it’s important to take extra precautions when storing it. Exposure to air, sunlight, and heat can all affect the quality of your beef tallow. Proper packaging and storage location are also important factors to consider.
When storing your beef tallow, make sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent air from getting in and causing oxidation. If you’re storing it in the pantry or on the kitchen counter, make sure it’s covered and out of direct sunlight. If you’re storing it in the refrigerator or freezer, make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn. By following these guidelines, you can be sure that your beef tallow will stay fresh and usable for a long time.
Factors That Affect The Shelf Life Of Beef Tallow
Several factors can affect the shelf life of beef tallow. One of the most important factors is exposure to air. When beef tallow is exposed to air, it can become oxidized, which can lead to rancidity. This is why it’s important to store beef tallow in an airtight container.
Another factor that can affect the shelf life of beef tallow is exposure to sunlight. Sunlight can cause the fat to break down and become rancid. Therefore, it’s important to store beef tallow in a cool, dark place.
Heat is another factor that can affect the shelf life of beef tallow. When beef tallow is exposed to high temperatures for extended periods of time, it can become rancid. It’s best to store beef tallow in a cool environment out of direct sunlight.
The quality of the beef tallow can also affect its shelf life. The age and weight of the animal at slaughter, as well as the type and quality of forage they are consuming, can all impact the quality of the beef tallow. Additionally, the rendering process can also affect the quality of the final product.
How To Store Beef Tallow
Storing beef tallow is crucial to ensure its longevity and quality. Here are some tips on how to store beef tallow properly:
1. Use an airtight container: To prevent air from getting in and causing oxidation, use an airtight container to store your beef tallow. This will help to keep it fresh and prevent it from going rancid.
2. Keep it in a cool, dry place: Beef tallow should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. A pantry or kitchen cabinet is a good option for short-term storage.
3. Refrigerate for long-term storage: If you’re not planning on using your beef tallow within a month, it’s recommended that you store it in the refrigerator. This will help to slow down the oxidation process and keep it fresh for longer.
4. Freeze for extended storage: For long-term storage, dividing your beef tallow into smaller containers and freezing them is the best option. Beef tallow can last for years in the freezer, so you’ll always have a supply on hand when you need it.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your beef tallow stays fresh and edible for as long as possible.
Signs That Beef Tallow Has Gone Bad
Despite its long shelf life, beef tallow can still go bad if not stored properly or used past its expiration date. Here are some signs to look out for to determine if your beef tallow has gone bad:
1. Discoloration: One of the easiest signs to spot rancidity is discoloration. If your beef tallow has turned yellow or brown, it’s likely gone bad and should be disposed of.
2. Unpleasant odor: Normally, beef tallow has an odor resembling smoked beef or jerky. However, if it smells sour or soapy, it’s a sign that it has gone rancid and should not be consumed.
3. Bitter or sour taste: A change in taste is a common indicator that something has gone bad, and beef tallow is no exception. Spoiled beef tallow will have a stingy and bitter taste that is unsavory and may even make your food taste sour or bland.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to dispose of the beef tallow immediately. Consuming rancid beef tallow could lead to an upset stomach and does not provide any nutritional value. It’s important to always check the quality of your cooking fats and oils before using them to ensure the safety and flavor of your meals.
Ways To Use Beef Tallow Before It Goes Bad
Beef tallow is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways before it goes bad. Here are some ideas to make the most of your beef tallow:
1. Cooking: Beef tallow has a high smoke point, which makes it perfect for high-heat cooking methods like frying, sautéing, and roasting. You can use beef tallow to cook meats, vegetables, and even eggs.
2. Baking: Beef tallow can be used as a substitute for butter or shortening in baking recipes like pie crusts, biscuits, and cakes. It adds a rich flavor and a flaky texture to baked goods.
3. Skincare: Grass-fed beef tallow is an excellent moisturizer for the skin. You can use it to make homemade skincare products like lip balm, salve, sunscreen, shaving cream, and lotion bars. It’s also great for soothing eczema, diaper rash, sunburn, windburn, acne, and itchy skin.
4. Hair care: Beef tallow can be used as a deep conditioning treatment for hair. Apply it to the ends of your hair to keep it soft and moisturized and prevent split ends. You can also use it to make homemade shampoo bars and heat protectant for hair.
5. Soap making: Beef tallow adds hardness and creamy lather to soap bars. You can use it as a sustainable soap making fat compared to other oils with similar benefits like palm oil.
6. Candle making: Beef tallow can be used as an ingredient in candles. It burns cleanly and provides a warm, natural scent.
7. Industrial lubricant: Beef tallow has been used as an industrial lubricant due to its high melting point and resistance to oxidation.
By using beef tallow in these various ways before it goes bad, you can make the most out of this versatile ingredient and enjoy its benefits for months or even years to come.
