Short Answer:
Yes, chicken fat is Paleo!
Schmaltz as they call it..
Chicken fat or schmaltz is obtained by chicken rendering or processing. It is well known in the traditional Jewish cuisine. Schmaltz is made up of 45% percent monounsaturated fat, 30% saturated fat and 21% polyunsaturated fat. It is high in linoleic acid, omega 6 and 9 fatty acids. Chicken fat alongside with other animal fat, is a good source of saturated fat, which do not cause heart disease, instead protects the heart from it.
Chicken fat is healthy especially when it is acquired from a pasture-raised chicken. It should come from chickens which are free-range or organic: not treated with antibiotics, steroids or even grain-fed.
Chicken fat is normally sold as rendered and is used as a flavouring or additive to food and as a frying fat.
Why Choose Chicken Fat?
There are a number of advantages that you can get from chicken fat:
- Chicken fat has more monounsaturated fat than saturated fat. It helps in reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Chicken fat is an important source of fat-soluble vitamins that can promote good health
- Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, omega 6 and 9 fatty acids. Linoleic acids can reduce the risk of cancer
- Chicken fat is usually cheaper than other oils or fats available.
- Chicken fat is stable in high heat, making it ideal for frying, grilling and roasting.
All you ever wanted to know about Chicken Fat and Paleo
Mark’s Daily Apple. A Primal Primer: Animal Fats
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/yet-another-primal-primer-animal-fats/#axzz3XSCRcJuX
Paleo Leap. Eat This: Animal Fat
http://paleoleap.com/eat-animal-fat/
The Paleo Diet. Paleo Diet Primer: Fats & Oils
http://thepaleodiet.com/paleo-diet-primer-fats-and-oils/
Robb Wolf. Big ‘FAT’ Blog Post – Part 1
http://robbwolf.com/2011/08/03/big-fat-blog-post-part-1/
Chris Kresser. 5 fats you should be cooking with – but may not be
http://chriskresser.com/5-fats-you-should-be-cooking-with-but-may-not-be
Eat Drink Paleo. Making Sense of Healthy Cooking Oils and Fats
http://eatdrinkpaleo.com.au/making-sense-of-healthy-cooking-oils-fats/
Cross Fit. “Eat Like A Predator, Not Like Prey”: Paleo In Six Easy Steps, A Motivational Guide
http://www.crossfit816.com/6-easy-steps-to-paleo
Cooking Caveman. Now You’re Cooking With Chicken Fat!
http://cookingcaveman.tumblr.com/post/20527625165/now-youre-cooking-with-chicken-fat
The Healthy Home Economist. Caution When Using Chicken Fat for Cooking
http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/caution-when-using-chicken-fat-for-cooking/
Other names for Chicken Fat
Schmaltz
Did we miss anything?
Comment below and let us know what you think. Do you agree with our conclusion?
photo credit: King Schmaltz, at Sammy’s