All About grass-Fed Tallow
What is Grass-Fed Beef Tallow?
Tallow is the rendered fat, specifically suet fat (often referred to as leaf fat), derived from ruminant animals such as cows and sheep.
Suet is a nutrient-rich, solid fat that is located around an animal's organs, particularly the kidneys and loins.
Beef suet is a firmer, more crumbly type of fat compared to other fats found in the animal. Beef Suet is one of nature's richest sources of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
CLA has been studied for its potential health benefits, including:
Weight Loss: While CLA has been promoted for weight management, research on humans has demonstrated less significant results when compared to studies conducted on animals.
Cancer Prevention: Research indicates that CLA can help slow the growth of colon cancer cells.
Atherosclerosis: CLA may help prevent atherosclerosis in humans.
Preliminary data indicates that CLA supplementation could enhance bone health in individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
What is Grass-Fed Tallow used for?
Throughout history, our ancestors have utilized tallow as a fat-based ingredient and as a popular cooking oil, long before the advent of hydrogenated vegetable oils, petroleum-based products, and chemically processed plant materials.
Due to its subtle beefy taste, beef tallow may not be the best option for sweet recipes or baked goods. However, it works perfectly in savory dishes such as sautéed vegetables, skillet potatoes, pot pies, and cornbread.
Aside from cooking, beef tallow fat has also been used throughout the ages for:
Candle Making (Historically, most candles were crafted from tallow and beeswax)
Soap (results in a lovely, hard, and creamy tallow soap)
Wood Care: Maintaining Furniture and Chopping Boards through Oiling and More
Skincare (healing salves and balms: just like grandma, who never washed the fat off her hands but instead massaged it in!
What are the benefits of tallow?
CLA – Conjugated Linoleic Acid
As mentioned previously, tallow is a remarkable source of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), known for its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it an excellent choice for skincare. CLA content is 300–500% higher in beef and dairy from grass-fed cows than grain-fed cows
Vitamins A, D, E and K
Tallow is rich in fat-soluble essential vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are vital for maintaining good health.
These vitamins provide abundant nourishment to the body, supporting hormonal, neurological, and cardiovascular health, while also promoting bone and muscle growth, as well as enhancing immune system function.
Omega 3 & Omega 6 Fatty Acids
Both omega 3 and omega 6 are essential fatty acids. They are referred to as essential because our bodies require them, yet they cannot produce them on their own; therefore, we must obtain them through our diet.
High Smoke Point for Cooking
Grass-fed beef tallow has an impressively high smoke point, making it a fantastic alternative to vegetable oils and other highly processed or fractionated oils. Not only is it a healthier choice for you, but it also delivers a delicious flavor!
Tallow for skin health
Tallow is not only anti-inflammatory, but it also possesses antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It closely resembles the skin's natural oils and absorbs easily, making it a fantastic non-greasy body butter or healing balm for rashes, cuts, scrapes, and other inflammatory conditions like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and itchy skin. It truly makes for an exceptional tallow balm!
Storing Your Tallow - Shelf Life
Tallow boasts an impressive shelf life. Our great-grandparents often kept it in jars in their cupboards for many years, and if you've created high-quality pure tallow, you can do the same. Be sure to avoid exposing it to higher temperatures. Instead, store it in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight to maximize its longevity.
Random Fun Facts About Tallow
1) McDonald’s French Fries used to used to be cooked in tallow until 1990
2) Check out this Research on beef tallow reveals its potential to enhance the effectiveness of conjugated linoleic acid in reducing metastasis of mouse mammary tumors. There are numerous studies similar to this one that highlight the advantages of tallow.
3) Here's a new study suggests that beef tallow might lower the risk of colon cancer by decreasing bile acid concentrations.
Did You Know Vrooman Ranch Renders its Own Tallow from Our Own Grass-Fed Cows?
Tallow makes great holiday gifts.
Check out our Holiday Tallow!
