How to Store Your Tallow (and How Long It Lasts)
Good news first: well-rendered tallow is one of the most forgiving fats in your kitchen. Because ours is rendered three times and strained through double cheesecloth, there is very little left in it that can spoil. A few simple habits keep it fresh to the last spoon.
How long does it last?
Every tub carries a batch number and a best-before date: 12 months from the day it was packed. Unopened and kept somewhere cool and dark, it stays at its best for that whole time.
Where to keep it
- The cupboard: cool, dry and dark, away from the stove and sunlight, with the lid on. Perfect for the tub you are using.
- The fridge: in a hot South African summer, or if you use it slowly, the fridge keeps it firm and fresh for longer. It goes hard when cold; scoop it with a sturdy spoon or let it soften for a few minutes.
- The freezer: for buckets and bulk buys. Portion it into smaller containers so you only thaw what you need.
Tallow softens and can melt on a hot day or in a warm kitchen. That does not harm it at all: it sets again when it cools, though the texture may change slightly.
Three habits that keep it fresh
- Always use a clean, dry spoon. Water and crumbs are what make fat spoil.
- Close the lid straight after use. Air and light are tallow's only real enemies.
- Keep it away from heat. Not on the shelf above the stove, not on a sunny windowsill.
Reusing tallow after frying
After frying chips or vetkoek, let the tallow cool until warm, then strain it through a fine sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean container. Keep it in the fridge and use it again two or three times for frying. It will darken a little each time, and it picks up flavours, so keep a separate container for fish.
How to tell if it has gone off
Fresh tallow smells clean and mild, almost of nothing. If it smells sharp, sour, soapy or like old crayons, or shows any mould, throw it out. That is rare with clean tallow that has been stored well.
Running low? Our tubs go from 500 ml for the kitchen to 20 litre buckets for the serious fryer. Shop the range.