Chicken fat, also known as schmaltz, is a versatile and flavorful cooking fat that was once very common in many cuisines. In recent decades concerns over saturated fat have caused a decline in chicken fat usage. However, due to its rich taste and high smoke point many chefs and home cooks are rediscovering the wonders of schmaltz. This article will explore everything you need to know about buying chicken fat near you.
What is Chicken Fat?
Chicken fat comes from poultry and is the liquefied or rendered fat from chicken or goose. Before refrigeration, rendering fat was an important way to preserve the calories and nutrients of animals. The rendered fat could then be used for cooking, seasoning, and more.
Schmaltz is talking about chicken fat, while goose fat comes from geese. The two terms are sometimes used to refer to the same thing, but chicken fat is much more common these days.
Benefits and Uses of Chicken Fat
Chicken fat offers several cooking benefits:
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Flavor – The rich, meaty flavor of schmaltz can enhance soups, stews, vegetables, eggs, and more. A little goes a long way in providing a savory depth.
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High smoke point—Chicken fat is great for cooking over high heat, like frying or sautéing, because its smoke point is around 375°F.
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Chicken fat can be used in place of butter, olive oil, or other fats in both sweet and savory recipes.
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Jewish food—Schmaltz has a long history of cooking Ashkenazi Jewish food. Classics like chopped liver, matzo ball soup, kugel, and latkes have always used it.
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Skin benefits – Some use chicken fat as a moisturizer for dry skin. It may help hydrate and reduce inflammation. However, this is not scientifically proven.
Overall, chicken fat is valued for its sheer richness and ability to enhance flavor. Just a spoonful can make veggies taste meatier or give eggs a decadent texture.
Where to Buy Chicken Fat
Unfortunately, chicken fat can be hard to find in regular supermarkets today. As consumer health trends have emphasized low fat and plant fats, schmaltz has diminished in popularity. However, it’s making a comeback among chefs and bakers. Here are some places to buy chicken fat near you:
Butcher Shops or Delis
Ask your local butcher if they have schmaltz for sale. Some butchers render their own chicken fat. Jewish delis may also sell schmaltz, as it’s an important part of Ashkenazi cuisine. You may find pre-rendered chicken fat or be able to request a custom render.
Specialty Grocers
Check the condiment aisle at gourmet grocers like Whole Foods. They occasionally carry schmaltz from brands like Epic. Chicken fat may also be found in the kosher foods section. If not on shelves, ask at the butcher counter.
Online Stores
Several online sites sell schmaltz and render their own chicken fats:
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Epic Provisions – Organic Chicken Fat
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US Wellness Meats – Grassfed Schmaltz
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Tendergrass Farms – Pasture Raised Chicken Fat
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Kol Foods – Organic Schmaltz
Make Your Own
If you can’t find schmaltz near you, it’s easy to render your own chicken fat at home. Save the fat trimmings from chickens and roast them low and slow until liquified. Home rendering isn’t as shelf stable but allows full control over ingredients.
How Much Does Chicken Fat Cost?
Chicken fat is generally an affordable cooking fat. Prices often range from:
- $3 to $8 per pound from butchers
- $7 to $15 per pound online
- $1 to $3 per pound for homemade
Of course, prices vary based on factors like organic, pasture-raised, or quantity ordered. But schmaltz is typically competitively priced with other fats.
How to Store Chicken Fat
Raw chicken fat:
- Store in a covered container in the refrigerator up to 6 months.
Rendered schmaltz:
- Refrigerated, schmaltz keeps up to 3 months.
- In the freezer, it lasts 6-12 months.
- Store in an airtight container away from light to prevent rancidity.
- If achieving a long shelf life, clarify and strain the fat after rendering.
Always keep chicken fat refrigerated or frozen to avoid spoilage. It can go rancid at room temperature. Clarifying and straining helps remove impurities for longer storage.
Recipes Using Chicken Fat
A little schmaltz can go a long way in recipes:
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Roasted potatoes – Toss cubed potatoes with a spoonful of melted chicken fat before roasting.
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Matzo ball soup – Add a few teaspoons of schmaltz to the matzo meal before making dumplings.
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Sauteed greens – Saute kale, spinach, or chard in a pan with 1-2 tablespoons of chicken fat.
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Fried rice – Stir in some schmaltz for added richness.
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Buttery baked goods – Replace some or all butter in cookies, pie crusts, or biscuits with melted chicken fat.
Explore your favorite Jewish cookbooks for more authentic recipes using schmaltz. The versatile fat can enhance meat, eggs, veggies, and more savory dishes.
Is Chicken Fat Healthy?
Like other animal fats, chicken fat is high in saturated fat. But it also provides some potential benefits:
Pros:
- High in monounsaturated fatty acids
- Source of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K
- Contains conjugated linoleic acid, a healthy trans fat
- Rich in cholesterol which has been wrongly vilified
- Does not oxidize easily when cooking
Cons:
- High in saturated fat which increases heart disease risk
- No fiber, protein, minerals
- Promotes inflammation in some people
For optimal health, chicken fat should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. But it isn’t inherently unhealthy, especially when sourced from pasture-raised chickens. Those concerned with saturated fat should limit intake to special occasions.
Is Chicken Fat Keto or Paleo?
Yes, chicken fat fits into keto and paleo diets that emphasize high fat and low carb:
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Keto – The high fat content helps meet keto macronutrient ratios. Schmaltz contains zero carbs.
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Paleo – Within paleo guidelines, chicken fat is an approved source of dietary fat from poultry.
Check your specific program, but most real food, low carb, and ancestral diets include quality animal fats like chicken schmaltz. Enjoy in moderation as a cooking fat or condiment.
The Takeaway
For concentrated flavor and high heat cooking, it’s hard to beat chicken fat. Schmaltz imparts a richness unmatched by vegetable oils or butter. Seek it out from butchers, specialty grocers, or make your own. A little bit of chicken fat can go a long way in cooking, so try it in your next dish. Just be mindful of portion size and saturated fat intake. When used properly, schmaltz is an invaluable cooking tool.
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How to Make Schmaltz – Rendered Chicken Fat
FAQ
Where is chicken fat in the grocery store?
You might be able to buy rendered chicken fat from a very well stocked supermarket (in the refrigerated or frozen section) but you’d definitely be able to get it at a butcher shop. Sold in tubs, rendered fat means you get pure melted down chicken fat that’s had any bits of meat or skin removed.
Where can I get chicken fat?
You can obtain chicken fat (also known as schmaltz) from several sources. Supermarkets, particularly those with butcher counters or kosher sections, often carry pre-rendered chicken fat. Butchers, especially those specializing in poultry or with kosher selections, are another reliable source.
How to obtain chicken fat?
Butcher shops sell chicken fat, or you can freeze chicken scraps until you have enough.
What is another name for chicken fat?
Another name for chicken fat, especially when rendered, is schmaltz.