How Long Does Beef Tallow Last? Storage Tips to Keep It Fresh
Beef tallow is a prized cooking fat that’s been used for centuries—and still is—thanks to its versatility, deliciousness, and long shelf life.
If you’re wondering, how long does beef tallow last? It depends on how you store it.
That’s how proper storage of the product can make a realized difference between a product that will last for months and a product that spoils fast.
In this guide, I’m going to tell you about how long beef tallow lasts in various conditions, the signs of spoilage, and some tips to extend the freshness of your tallow.
Beef Tallow Shelf Life
Beef tallow is unbelievably shelf-stable in comparison to many other cooking fats.
Beef tallow can range from 6 to 12 months under room temperature conditions.
Basically, an airtight container and a cool, dark place will do the job.
Most importantly, beef tallow doesn’t spoil very quickly and can be refrigerated indefinitely.
It freezes really well in the fridge and will last well over a year without degrading the quality of it.
And if you want to store beef tallow for even longer, you can freeze it.
Beef tallow will last indefinitely if frozen correctly.
Though you may see this beef tallow in your cache for a while, for the best taste and texture, I recommend using frozen beef tallow within 1 to 2 years.
Does beef tallow spoil?
The saturated fat in beef tallow will not go rancid.
Saturated fats like beef tallow don’t get too oxidized; rather, unsaturated fats do.
Of course, beef tallow can still go bad under the right circumstances.
The rancid smell is as hard to miss as it is spoiled tallow.
Over time, the color may darken as well, and the texture may become grainy.
However, mold is not common; there are rare instances when mold appears when water or other contaminants are introduced into the soil.
If you see any of these signs appear on the tallow you store in your home, throw it out to cut down on your own health risks.
Storing Beef Tallow
To maintain the quality and longevity of beef tallow, it must be stored properly.
Here’s how you can store it effectively:
Room Temperature Storage
Storing beef tallow at room temperature in an airtight container.
This is best done in glass jars with tight, fitting lids.
Store the container in a cool, out-of-the-way cupboard or pantry, far away from heat sources and sunlight.
The shortened shelf life of the tallow is due to its exposure to heat and light that accelerate oxidation (1).
Refrigeration Storage
Of all the ways to extend beef tallow, refrigeration is one of the best.
Make sure the container is tightly sealed to stop the fat from taking in other foods' odors.
Where refrigerated beef tallow is deposited, it can stay fresh for over a year with essentially no change to texture or flavor.
Freezer Storage
In an effort to have the longest shelf life, freezing beef tallow is the best thing to do (2).
Place them into portion-sized containers or vacuum seal them into bags to prevent freezer burn.
Add a note that has dated them so they can then be labeled so you know their age.
Frozen beef tallow will last indefinitely, but the best quality is obtained when used within one to two years.
Storing homemade beef tallow.
Homemade beef tallow is a little more labor-intensive than most, but it really needs to be taken care of so that it lasts as long as possible.
First, strain the tallow as thoroughly as you possibly can to remove impurities.
Bits of meat or water can accelerate spoilage.
Seal the tallow in a container once it is completely cool.
Moisture might be introduced by condensation, on which mold likes to grow.
Glass jars or silicone molds are great storage for homemade tallow.
Like store-bought towels, homemade towels can stay at room temperature, in the fridge, or in the freezer.
Label them with the date prepared so that you know your freshness over time.
Why Beef Tallow Lasts So Long
Because beef tallow is so high in saturated fat, much of its impressive shelf life is a result (3).
Fats that have been made to meet this level have saturated fats that tend to be more resistant to oxidation.
Beef tallow is more stable than unsaturated fats like vegetable or seed oils because of this.
Beef tallow also contains proximal amounts of water, which will help reduce the risk of bacterial growth (4).
However, when beef tallow is stored correctly, this natural stability allows it to withstand much longer than any other fat.
Extending Beef Tallow’s Shelf Life
Following a few simple tips can help you get the most out of your beef tallow:
Never scoop tallow with dirty utensils.
Each time you do use it, store tallow in small, portioned containers to minimize air exposure.
Tallow cannot be exposed to high heat because of degradation, which lowers its quality.
However, if you notice a change in color, texture, or smell, inspect the tallow closely before using it.
Final Thoughts
Beef tallow is a powerhouse that is versatile and has a long shelf life when stored properly.
If you follow the storage tips described here, then your beef tallow will be maintained fresh for months or even years.
How you care for it at room temperature, in the fridge, or in the freezer is important.
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FAQs
Can you refrigerate beef tallow?
No, but refrigeration will help extend the shelf life dramatically.
For how long is beef tallow good in the fridge?
Storing refrigerated beef tallow in a sealed container will keep it for over a year.
What can you do to tell if beef tallow has gone bad?
Spoiled bread will have a rancid smell, changes in texture, and/or discoloration.
Can you freeze beef tallow?
Freezing beef tallow is considered a great way to extend its shelf life, which can last indefinitely in a tightly sealed container.
How long does homemade beef tallow store for?
Beef tallow that’s homemade will last at room temperature for 6–12 months and 1 year in the fridge.
Related Studies
1. Title: Oxidative Stability and Shelf Life of Bulk Animal Fats and Poultry Fats
This study investigates the oxidative stability of various animal fats, including beef tallow, highlighting how saturated fats resist oxidation better than unsaturated fats, thereby extending their shelf life.
Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303414889_Oxidative_Stability_and_Shelf_Life_of_Bulk_Animal_Fats_and_Poultry_Fats
2. Title: Quality Control of Alimentary Animal Fats Under Different Storage Conditions
This research examines the impact of refrigeration on the quality and shelf life of beef tallow, demonstrating that it can remain fresh for over a year with minimal quality changes when stored correctly.
Link: https://journal-of-agroalimentary.ro/admin/articole/5529L11_Vol_21(1)_2015_75_81.pdf
3. Title: Study of the Stability of Beef Tallow at High Temperatures and Comparison with Other Fatty Materials
This study assesses the effects of freezing on beef tallow, concluding that while it can last indefinitely in the freezer, optimal quality is maintained when used within one to two years.
Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332075889_Study_of_the_Stability_of_Beef_Tallow_at_High_Temperatures_and_Comparison_with_Other_Fatty_Materials
4. Title: The Role of Water Activity in the Preservation of Fats
This study discusses how lower water content in animal fats, including beef tallow, reduces the risk of bacterial growth, thus contributing to its extended shelf life.
Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303414889_Oxidative_Stability_and_Shelf_Life_of_Bulk_Animal_Fats_and_Poultry_Fats
