does beef tendon have hair

Does Beef Tendon Have Hair? What You Need to Know Before Cooking

Beef tendon is growing in popularity as an ingredient in various cuisines like Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese dishes. Its unique texture and ability to transform from tough to tender during extended cooking times make it a versatile choice.

However, one aspect of raw beef tendon that gives some home cooks pause is the presence of small black hairs poking out from the skin So does beef tendon actually contain hair, and if so, what’s the best way to handle it?

This article will go over the hair that can be found on beef tendon and how to clean and prepare it properly.

Key Points

• Yes, you can see the small black hairs in raw beef tendon if you look very closely. These tend to be more obvious in some areas than others.

• It’s crucial to properly clean tendons before cooking to remove all hairs and debris This improves food safety and the taste/texture.

• Recommended cleaning methods include soaking in salt water and vinegar, plucking hairs with tweezers, and blanching. Rinsing thoroughly afterward is also key.

• When cooked thoroughly, beef tendon becomes meltingly tender and the hairs are dissolved, so they do not affect the final dish.

• Beef tendon is rich in collagen, protein, and nutrients that support skin, hair, joint, and digestive health. Enjoying properly cleaned tendon is safe and nutritious.

The Presence of Hair on Raw Beef Tendon

Upon first glance, beef tendon may appear relatively hairless with its slick, glossy exterior. However, if you look closely, especially underneath the loose outer skin, you’ll notice thin black hairs poking out sporadically.

These hairs are naturally present on the bovine tendon tissue. During the animal’s life, the hairs help adhere the tendon to the surrounding muscles and tissues. They range in length from barely visible stubs to longer strands up to an inch.

The hair density varies across the tendon, with some areas harboring a greater concentration than others. You may need to inspect from multiple angles to spot them all.

Some pieces of tendon even arrive with several long hairs visibly protruding out. So yes, it’s perfectly normal for raw beef tendon to contain small hairs prior to any cleaning or prep work.

Why It’s Essential to Remove the Hairs

While a bit unappetizing in appearance, the hairs themselves are harmless. However, since they originate from an unsterilized animal part, they can potentially carry foodborne pathogens.

For this reason, it’s not recommended to cook beef tendon straight from the package without properly cleaning and removing the hairs first.

During extended simmering, the hairs dissolve into the cooking liquid. But consuming them directly could pose a health risk if bacteria is present. Thorough cleaning reduces this risk.

In addition, removing the residual hairs helps improve the tendon’s flavor and texture. Any remaining hairs could feel unpleasant in the mouth or even get lodged in the throat. Cleaning also washes away other debris or residue on the tendon.

Overall, taking the time to clean beef tendon before cooking ensures a tasty, tender, and safe final result. It transforms this inexpensive cut into a luxurious, collagen-rich ingredient.

Effective Methods to Remove Hairs from Beef Tendon

Removing every last hair from beef tendon requires diligence and the proper techniques. Here are some recommended methods:

• Soak in salt water and vinegar: Generously coat the tendon in table salt, then soak in distilled white vinegar for 10+ minutes. This helps clean and deodorize. Rinse well afterward.

• Pluck with tweezers: Invest in a pair of sharp, stainless steel tweezers to grasp and pull out individual hairs. Pluck out as many as possible.

• Blanch briefly: Boil tendon pieces for 2-3 minutes then drain and rinse. This helps loosen debris.

• Rinse thoroughly: Regardless of preparation method, rinse the tendon well afterward to eliminate all traces of hair, salt, vinegar, etc.

• Slice thinly: Cutting the tendon into thin strips or pieces makes it easier to see and remove any remaining hairs.

While tedious, taking the time to gradually pluck out the hairs using tweezers is the most effective method. Combine this with soaking, blanching, and rinsing for the best results.

What Happens When Tendon is Cooked?

When simmered for hours in soups or stews, beef tendon becomes extremely soft and gelatinous, while the hairs dissolve into the cooking liquid.

Provided the tendon was thoroughly cleaned beforehand, you don’t have to worry about consuming any residual hairs once cooked. They essentially disintegrate during the extended boiling time required to tenderize the tough tendon tissue.

After 1-2 hours, the tendon begins softening but still has a prominent chewy, fibrous texture. Around the 3-4 hour mark, it turns slippery and starting melting in the mouth.

Ideally, beef tendon should be simmered for 5-8 hours until spoon tender and able to be easily cut with a fork. At this point, the melted collagen results in a rich, luxurious mouthfeel.

When incorporated into dishes like pho, the soft tendon literally disappears on the tongue, while releasing its nutritious collagen into the broth. This transforms a humble soup into a deeply satisfying, protein-rich meal.

Nutritional Benefits of Beef Tendon

In addition to its culinary versatility, beef tendon is also nutritionally dense:

• Excellent source of collagen – makes up about 85% of its composition. Collagen supports skin elasticity, joint health, and muscle repair.

• High in protein – builds and maintains muscle. Also contains amino acids like glycine and proline.

• Low in fat and calories – around 100 calories per 100g. An ideal lean protein option.

• Rich in minerals like iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and selenium. Also contains B-vitamins.

• Contains beneficial compounds like elastin and hyaluronic acid that improve skin hydration and smoothness.

• Provides glucosamine, chondroitin, and antioxidants that may support joint, bone, and heart health.

The ample collagen content makes beef tendon especially beneficial for enhancing skin, hair, nail, and joint health. It may also promote gut health and integrity.

Tips for Enjoying Beef Tendon

Once you get past the initial hesitation about the hairy appearance of raw beef tendon, it can become a regular part of your cooking repertoire. Here are some tips:

• Clean thoroughly – don’t skip the hair removal steps before cooking! This prevents safety issues.

• Simmer for 5-8 hours – good things come to those who wait! The long cook time is essential.

• Add to soups and stews – melts into pho, beef noodle soup, braises, etc. Boosts body and nutrition.

• Slice thinly – makes for easier eating compared to big chunks.

• Refrigerate leftovers – gives a jelly-like texture that’s easier to slice.

• Drink the broth – loaded with nutrient-dense collagen!

• Mask the smell – aromatics like onions, garlic, ginger, etc help mellow the odor while cooking.

• Source high-quality – always opt for fresh, whole tendons rather than processed or pre-cut.

With proper cleaning and preparation, beef tendon’s mild flavor, luxurious texture, and stellar nutrition make it well worth including in your diet. It’s the ultimate collagen-rich ingredient to add to soups and stews.

The Takeaway: Don’t Be Dissuaded by the Hair

The next time you come across a package of fresh beef tendon, don’t be turned off by the presence of thin black hairs. While an understandable reaction, rest assured they are easily removed with the proper cleaning techniques. This transforms the tendon into a culinary delight.

Taking the time to soak, tweak, blanch and rinse the tendon before cooking eliminates any traces of hair or debris for peace of mind. Then the long simmering time results in a meltingly tender, collagen-packed ingredient that boosts the nutrition of any dish.

Rather than write off beef tendon as an icky, hairy meat cut, embrace it for its versatile and nourishing properties. It offers a simple way to add luxurious texture, slightly sweet flavor, and skin-beautifying collagen to everyday meals.