Are you a fan of using beef fat in your cooking?
Whether you’re making homemade tallow or rendering suet for bird feeders, it’s important to know how long these fats will last in the fridge.
With conflicting information online, it can be hard to know what to believe. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled all the information you need to know about storing beef fat in the fridge.
From suet to tallow, we’ll cover it all so you can confidently use your beef fat without worrying about spoilage.
So, let’s dive in and learn how long beef fat will last in the fridge!
How Long Will Beef Fat Last In The Fridge?
The shelf life of beef fat in the fridge can vary depending on the type of fat and how it’s stored.
Rendered beef fat, also known as tallow, can last up to 12 months in the fridge. However, it’s important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and edible. Tallow should be kept in a sealed container to protect it from bacteria and other contaminants that can cause it to spoil.
Suet, on the other hand, should be used within 5 days if fresh or portioned up using freezer bags where it will keep for 6 months frozen.
Raw fatback, which is another type of beef fat, can last anywhere from three days to a week in the fridge. However, there is some disagreement on this topic, so it’s important to know how long it’s been in someone else’s fridge before it gets to you.
To extend the shelf life of cooking fats and oils, including beef fat, preppers should consider exposure to air, sunlight, and heat, proper packaging, and storage location.
If you’re making homemade beef tallow, it should be refrigerated or stored in the freezer to prolong its shelf life. Because of its high fat content, tallow can spoil quickly, similar to how other fats and oils spoil. Keeping it cool reduces the risk of spoilage. When refrigerated, you can expect beef tallow to be good for as long as 1-2 months. If stored in the freezer, you can expect the tallow to remain fresh for as long as 6-9 months.
What Is Beef Fat And How Is It Used In Cooking?
Beef fat, also known as tallow, is simply the rendered fat from beef. It’s a traditional fat that has been used for centuries in cooking, but fell out of popularity when vegetable oils became more common. However, with the resurgence of interest in traditional diets and homesteading, beef fat is making a comeback in the kitchen.
Beef fat can be used in a variety of ways in cooking. It can be used as a cooking oil for frying or sautéing, as a substitute for butter or other oils in baking, or as a flavor base for savory dishes. Because it has a high smoke point, it’s ideal for high-heat cooking methods like frying.
When using beef fat in cooking, it’s important to keep in mind that it will impart a beefy flavor to your dishes. This can be desirable in some cases, but may not be appropriate for all recipes. If you’re using beef fat as a substitute for other oils or fats, it’s important to consider how the flavor will affect the final dish.
In addition to its culinary uses, beef fat can also be used topically on the skin as a moisturizer. However, it’s important to note that the quality of the beef fat used for this purpose should be high and free from any additives or contaminants.
Understanding The Different Types Of Beef Fat
When it comes to beef fat, there are different types to consider. One of the most common types of beef fat is tallow, which is rendered beef fat that has been cooked down to remove impurities. Tallow is a traditional fat that has been used for centuries and has recently made a comeback due to its health benefits and versatility in cooking.
Another type of beef fat is suet, which is the raw, hard fat found around the kidneys and loins of cattle. Suet can be used in cooking, particularly for making traditional British dishes like steak and kidney pie. It should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 5 days if fresh or portioned up using freezer bags where it will keep for 6 months frozen.
Raw fatback is another type of beef fat that can be used in cooking. It is the layer of fat found on the back of the pig and is commonly used for making bacon. However, there is some disagreement on how long it can last in the fridge, so it’s important to know how long it’s been in someone else’s fridge before it gets to you.
When it comes to storing beef fat, it’s important to consider the type of fat and how it’s being stored. Tallow can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container for up to a year, but refrigerating or freezing it will extend its shelf life even further. Suet should be kept in the refrigerator and used within 5 days if fresh or portioned up using freezer bags where it will keep for 6 months frozen. Raw fatback should be used within a week if stored in the fridge.
How To Properly Store Beef Fat In The Fridge
To properly store beef fat in the fridge, it’s important to follow a few simple steps. First, make sure the fat is properly rendered or trimmed of excess meat and cut into small portions. Next, place the fat in a sealed container to protect it from bacteria and other contaminants. Glass jars or metal containers are ideal for storing beef fat because they are airtight and reduce exposure to microplastics.
It’s also important to keep the beef fat away from direct sunlight and heat. Plastic containers tend to heat up more quickly than glass or metal, so it’s best to avoid them when possible. If you plan on freezing the beef fat, make sure to use freezer-safe glass jars or containers.
When storing beef tallow in the fridge, it’s best to use a sealed container and keep it in the coldest part of the fridge. This will help to slow down any spoilage or oxidation that may occur. It’s also important to keep an eye on the tallow and check for any signs of spoilage, such as a rancid smell or discoloration.
Signs Of Spoilage To Look Out For
It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of spoilage when it comes to beef fat. One of the most common signs is a slimy film on the surface of the fat. This film can be clear or yellowish in color and will make the fat appear shinier than usual. When you touch the fat, it will feel slippery or sticky. This slimy film is a tell-tale sign that the beef fat has started to spoil and should be discarded.
Another sign of spoilage is discoloration. If the beef fat has a strange color, such as brown, yellow, or green, it’s likely that it has gone bad. You may see just a few patches of odd color rather than the whole slab of fat, but spots of discoloration are still a sign that you should avoid eating it.
A rancid smell is another indication that your beef fat has gone bad. If it smells sour or unpleasant, it’s best to discard it immediately.
Mold growth is also a sure sign that your beef fat has spoiled and should not be consumed. Mold can grow on the surface of the fat or inside the container, so it’s important to check both before using any beef fat.
It’s essential to note that if you notice any of these signs of spoilage, you should not consume the beef fat. Eating spoiled food can lead to food poisoning and other health problems. Always err on the side of caution and discard any beef fat that appears to have gone bad.
How Long Can Suet Last In The Fridge?
Suet is a type of beef fat that is commonly used to make bird feeders or as a cooking fat. When stored in the fridge, fresh suet should be used within 5 days. However, if you portion it up using freezer bags, it can last for up to 6 months in the freezer.
It’s important to store suet properly to prevent it from going rancid or spoiling quickly. When storing suet in the fridge, it should be kept in a glass container or a vacuum-sealed bag to protect it from air and moisture. This will help ensure that the suet stays fresh and edible for as long as possible.
If you’re using packaged bird suet, the shelf life will depend on several factors, including manufacturing, processing, and packaging. For example, Pine Tree Farms Woodpecker Hi Energy Suet Cake Bird Food 11 oz. has a shelf life of 3 years in the refrigerator. However, if you open the product and notice a bad meat smell, it’s no longer good and should be discarded immediately.
To prevent suet from spoiling in high temperatures, it’s important to keep it in a shaded, cool area and only offer as much suet as the birds can eat in a day or two. Any leftover suet can be frozen or stored in the fridge until it’s needed. It’s also important to note that corn and peanuts in a suet mix can foster the growth of harmful bacteria, so such mixtures should be bought from a reputable source or made yourself.
How Long Can Tallow Last In The Fridge?
Tallow, which is rendered beef fat, can last up to 12 to 18 months in the fridge if stored properly. To ensure it stays fresh and edible, it should be kept in a sealed container to protect it from exposure to air, sunlight, and heat. This will prevent the tallow from becoming rancid or developing an off flavor.
It’s important to note that tallow will solidify in the fridge, so it may need to be softened before use. To do this, simply place the container of tallow in a bowl of hot water until it becomes liquid again.
If you’ve opened a container of tallow, it will last for up to 4 weeks in the pantry. To extend its shelf life, you can put it in the refrigerator where it will last for up to 3 months. For long-term storage, it’s best to divide the tallow into smaller containers and freeze them. When stored in the freezer, tallow can remain of top quality for up to a year.