Difference Between Tallow and Beef Dripping

I noticed some difference between beef dripping and tallow. When I first looked at them I thought they were the same.

Definitions and Differences

Tallow is rendered fat from cows. It’s usually sourced from the fat around the kidneys and other organs, known as suet. After rendering, it turns solid at room temperature. Tallow is great for frying and baking because it has a high smoke point.

Beef dripping, on the other hand as far as a know is from other areas of the animal. It can also be a combination of fat from beef and pig.

Smell and Taste

Smell

Personally I find beef dripping smells more a rancid smell to me, some people might like the smell but to me I didn’t. When cooking the oil I found the smell lingered more than tallow.

Tallow on the other hand has a more meaty smell and when cooking it the smell vanished pretty quickly.

Taste

Personally I found beef dripping have a much stronger taste and I could still taste it on food once cooked, which personally I didn’t like.

Tallow on the other hand once my food was cooked I could barely taste it which to me was more pleasant.

Cooking with Tallow and Beef Dripping

I haven’t had loads of experience using these two products but I did find them to be pretty similar in high smoke points and I did struggle to get crispy potatoes, so I will keep experimenting to get those ultimate crispy potatoes!

Non-Culinary Uses

Tallow can be handy outside the kitchen too.

• Tallow Soap: You can make homemade soap using tallow. It’s great for skin health, as it’s moisturizing and can help with conditions like eczema or acne.
• Skincare: tallow is rich in nutrients, making it good for homemade lotions and balms.
• Quick Rendering: If you have beef trimmings, you can quickly render them in a slow cooker for fresh tallow.

When creating products just be aware they can have a strong smell.