Suet

Suet is raw beef or mutton fat, especially that found around the loins and kidneys. It is a solid at room temperature, and melts at about 21°C (70°F).

The primary use of suet is to make tallow in a process called rendering, which involves melting and extended simmering, followed by straining, cooling and usually a repetition of the entire process.

Unlike suet, tallow can be stored for extended periods without refrigeration. It is used to make soap, for cooking, as a bird food, and was once used for making candles.

The type sold in supermarkets is dehydrated suet.

Suet recipes

• Windsor pudding
• steak and kidney pudding
• dumplings
• suet crust pastry
• Christmas pudding
• suet cakes (for feeding birds)
• mincemeat[?]