Are you a fan of using beef tallow as a cooking oil?
Maybe you’re looking to try it out for the first time, or perhaps you’re a seasoned pro. Either way, if you’re based in Toronto, you might be wondering where to find high-quality beef tallow.
Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore some of the best sources for beef tallow in Toronto, both online and locally. Whether you’re making Christmas puddings or frying up some delicious food, we’ve got you covered.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of beef tallow!
Where To Buy Beef Tallow In Toronto?
If you’re looking to buy beef tallow in Toronto, there are a few options available to you. One great place to start is your local butcher shop. Many butchers carry beef tallow and can even source it from specific farms upon request.
Another option is to shop online. There are several high-quality sources of beef tallow available for purchase online, including Fannie and Flo, which offers creamy and delicious tallow and leaf lard.
If you’re looking for a more sustainable option, consider purchasing beef tallow packaged using Friendlier packaging. This reusable packaging solution minimizes plastic waste and includes a refundable deposit of $0.50 in the purchase price.
No matter where you choose to buy your beef tallow, be sure to look for grass-fed and hormone-free options for the healthiest and most ethical choice.
What Is Beef Tallow And Why Use It For Cooking?
Beef tallow is a traditional cooking fat that has been used for centuries. It is rendered fat from a cow, often derived from suet, which is the hard, saturated fat found around a steer’s kidneys. Tallow is prized for its high smoke point, which makes it suitable for high-heat cooking methods such as frying and sautéing. It is also considered to be a healthy cooking fat, as it is high in monounsaturated and saturated fats, both of which are associated with a number of health benefits when consumed in moderation.
In addition to its use in cooking, tallow is also often used in the production of soap, candles, and other household products. It is a versatile and long-lasting fat that can be stored at room temperature and has a shelf life of 12 months or more if refrigerated.
If you are interested in using tallow in your cooking, it is important to note that it has a strong, beefy flavor that may not be suitable for all dishes. It is best used in dishes where a bold, savory flavor is desired, such as in fried foods, stews, and soups. Tallow is also a good choice for baking, as it can help to produce flakier, tender pastries.
Local Sources For Beef Tallow In Toronto
If you prefer to buy locally, there are a few great options for purchasing beef tallow in Toronto. One highly recommended option is Brothers Butcher Shoppe, which offers high-quality beef tallow for cooking. Another great option is The Healthy Butcher, which has been known to source beef tallow from specific farms upon request.
It’s worth noting that The Healthy Butcher has not sold tallow for the past few months, so it’s best to call ahead and check availability before making a trip. Additionally, Pure Island grass-fed beef is another great option for those looking for high-quality and healthy beef tallow. They offer aged beef that is clinically proven to have very healthy fat components similar to flax oil and cold water fish.
No matter where you choose to purchase your beef tallow in Toronto, look for grass-fed and hormone-free options for the best quality and health benefits.
Online Options For Purchasing Beef Tallow
If you prefer to shop online for your beef tallow, there are several options available to you. One popular online retailer is Frankie’s Tallow, which offers grass-fed beef tallow in convenient resealable and recyclable plastic pails with removable handles. Customers rave about the quality of the tallow and the fast shipping and great customer service provided by Frankie’s.
Another option is to purchase beef tallow from US Wellness Meats, which offers grass-fed and grass-finished beef tallow in 2.5 pound packs. This high-quality beef fat has a rich and beefy flavor and a relatively high smoke point, making it great for high-heat cooking.
For a truly premium product, consider purchasing Wagyu Beef Tallow from Lone Mountain Wagyu. This handcrafted tallow is made from traditionally raised beef fat from the highest quality wagyu cattle, which are raised in a stress-free environment in the American Southwest. The animals are never administered antibiotics, hormones, or steroids, and the tallow is packed with healthy Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
No matter where you choose to buy your beef tallow online, be sure to look for high-quality, grass-fed options for the best flavor and health benefits.
How To Store And Use Beef Tallow In Your Cooking
Once you have purchased your beef tallow, it’s important to store it properly to ensure its freshness and longevity. Pure beef tallow is shelf-stable and can sit on the counter at room temperature for days in an air-tight container. However, it’s best to keep it in the fridge when not using to prevent accidental oxidization, though it’s not necessary. The main thing to focus on is making sure the jar it’s in is sealed properly. You can also freeze beef tallow for several months, dividing it into smaller containers for long-term storage.
When it comes to using beef tallow in your cooking, there are many ways to incorporate this versatile ingredient. One of the best ways is to use it instead of vegetable, olive, or coconut oil in your recipes. Beef tallow makes incredible stir-fried vegetables and imparts a rich, earthy but subtle meat flavor and aroma. To enhance the flavor, add aromatic herbs such as rosemary and thyme to the cooking fat before frying your vegetables for a truly tasty dish.
Tallow is also great for roasting and frying, as it has a smoke point of 420oF, making it ideal for high heat cooking like frying. Tallow roasted vegetables and potatoes are simple dishes made decadent with the addition of a little grass-fed beef tallow. Frying with tallow is possibly the best use of beef fat. The original McDonald’s french fry was fried in tallow. Grass-fed beef tallow is also good for getting a nice searing on steaks.
To render your own beef tallow at home, gather the beef fat in a large stock pot and heat to a low simmer. Low and slow temperatures while you render are important, or the fat will result in a browned tallow with a funkier flavor, and it won’t be as white when it cools. Straining is also important to remove impurities that can cause the tallow to spoil faster. Strain twice: once in a fine strainer to remove any large pieces, and again using cheesecloth, a coffee filter, or a paper towel to get all the final small pieces removed.
Recipes To Try With Beef Tallow As A Cooking Oil
If you’ve recently purchased beef tallow and are wondering how to incorporate it into your cooking, you’re in luck! Here are a few recipes to try with beef tallow as a cooking oil:
1. Beef Tallow Fried Rice: This recipe is a great way to add flavor and color to your fried rice. Start by heating up a tablespoon of beef tallow in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add cooked rice, vegetables, and protein of your choice, along with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Fry everything together until the rice is crispy and the vegetables are tender.
2. Beef Tallow Roasted Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss your favorite vegetables with a tablespoon of melted beef tallow, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes, or until they’re tender and crispy on the outside.
3. Beef Tallow Potato Wedges: Cut potatoes into wedges and toss them with melted beef tallow, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. Bake them in the oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
4. Beef Tallow Pie Crust: Instead of using butter or shortening in your pie crust recipe, try using beef tallow for a flaky and flavorful crust. Simply substitute an equal amount of beef tallow for the butter or shortening called for in the recipe.
5. Beef Tallow Seared Steaks: Heat up a tablespoon of beef tallow in a cast iron skillet over high heat. Season your steak with salt and pepper, then sear it in the hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side until it’s browned and crispy on the outside but still pink in the middle.
These are just a few ideas to get you started with cooking with beef tallow. Experiment with different recipes and see how this versatile ingredient can add flavor and texture to your dishes!
Health Benefits And Concerns Of Using Beef Tallow In Your Diet
Beef tallow is a versatile and flavorful fat that has several health benefits. One of the primary benefits of beef tallow is its ability to boost immune health. The unprocessed fats in beef tallow make it easier for the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins that support the immune system. Additionally, beef tallow is rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E, K, and B1, which help to improve overall health.
Another significant benefit of beef tallow is its ability to reduce inflammation. Tallow contains conjugated linoleic acid, which is a natural anti-inflammatory. This fatty acid may help to alleviate inflammation throughout the body and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Consuming beef tallow may also help protect the body from infection. One of the fatty acids found in beef tallow, palmitoleic acid, possesses antimicrobial properties that may help to ward off infections.
Beef tallow is also good for the nervous system. It is high in choline, a nutrient that supports the nervous system. Additionally, the healthy fatty acids found in tallow help to protect nerve cells.
For those looking to lose weight, consuming healthy fats like beef tallow can help the body burn fat. Eating healthy fats stimulates the release of glucagon, a hormone that signals to the body it’s time to burn stored fat for energy.
Finally, beef tallow can also improve skin health. The saturated fat found in tallow nourishes the skin’s cell membranes, helping to keep skin smooth and healthy. It can even be used as a natural moisturizer.
While there are many benefits to consuming beef tallow, it’s important to note that it is still a fat and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, it’s essential to choose grass-fed and hormone-free options for the healthiest and most ethical choice.