What is "suet"?

Suet is a type of hard white fat found around the kidneys and loins of animals, particularly cows and sheep. It has a high melting point and a firm texture, making it ideal for use in cooking and baking, especially in traditional British cuisine. Suet is commonly used to make suet puddings, pastry crusts, and mincemeat fillings, where it adds moisture, richness, and a distinctive flavor. In its rendered form, suet is also utilized in bird feeders as a high-energy food source for wild birds during colder months.