So, while we had the woodstove going yesterday, I decided to render some suet in one of my cast iron pans. Now the pan is completely seasoned! Suet/Tallow seems to work way better than even high-heat safflower oil (which left weird sticky spots and wasn't preventing rust). Spending some of my snow day re-seasoning my pans.

#AnimalProducts #Tallow #Suet #CastIronPans

I am now fully converted to Swedish dishcloths as a paper towel substitute! Defrosting meat leaked all over the bottom of my fridge, and I was dreading mopping it up. Two dry Swedish dishcloths were more than enough to do the job.

I had been thinking of them as a sponge replacement, but I hadn't been fully convinced when using them while camping. I will definitely be using them to mop up messes from now on. The one thing I use paper towels for that I'm not sure I want to use Swedish dishcloths for is to apply the protective oil on cast iron or carbon steel.

#castironpans

Again, if animals are used for food, we should aim to not waste anything! (And yes, buffalo tallow can be substituted).

Why Beef Tallow is a Superior Seasoning Choice for #CastIronPans

"Many seasoned cast iron enthusiasts swear by beef tallow. Why? The secret lies in its composition. Tallow is primarily composed of saturated fatty acids, which polymerize effectively when heated. This polymerization process transforms the oil into a hard, plastic-like coating bonded to the iron’s surface. This creates the coveted non-stick seasoning that cast iron is famous for.

"Other oils, especially those high in polyunsaturated fats (like vegetable oil), can become sticky or gummy at high temperatures, leading to a less desirable seasoning. Tallow’s stability at high heat prevents this, ensuring a smooth and durable finish. Furthermore, tallow adds a subtle, savory flavor that many find appealing, enhancing the taste of your dishes."

Learn more:
https://www.chefsresource.com/can-you-use-beef-tallow-to-season-cast-iron/#google_vignette

#SolarPunkSunday #AnimalProducts #BeefTallow #UsesForTallow #BuffaloTallow