NEW DELHI: The famous laddu from the Tirupati temple Srivari laddu has recently gained attention amid controversy amidst the huge row surrounding its ingredients. The Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanams (TTD) has a geographical indication tag for its famous laddu, giving it the exclusive right to sell it.
However, recent reports claim the laddu may contain beef tallow, lard , fish oil , and palm oil in the ghee used to make it. These concerns have led to discussions among devotees and consumers about the traditional recipe and the authenticity of this popular sweet.
The controversy
The row began on Wednesday when Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu accused the former YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government of using low-quality ingredients and animal fat in the famous Tirupati laddus. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) claims that a lab in Gujarat found beef tallow, lard, and fish oil in the ghee used for making the laddus. In response to these allegations, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) have blacklisted the supplier and changed their ghee provider. However, the YSRCP has denied all claims.
What is 'Beef Tallow'?
Beef tallow is made by rendering the fatty tissue around the organs of animals such as cows and bulls. As its name suggests, beef tallow specifically comes from cows. It's often used for deep-frying and roasting, but it can also be found in the production of soaps and candles. It can also be made by melting fat that’s skimmed off meat, which then cools and becomes a soft solid, similar to butter.
What is 'Lard'?
Lard has largely been replaced by vegetable oil in most kitchens today. This semi-solid white fat is obtained by rendering the fatty tissue of pigs and has been a staple in communities that consume pork . While it was once a common ingredient in baking, vegetable oils are now the preferred choice for many cooks.
However, recent reports claim the laddu may contain beef tallow, lard , fish oil , and palm oil in the ghee used to make it. These concerns have led to discussions among devotees and consumers about the traditional recipe and the authenticity of this popular sweet.
The controversy
The row began on Wednesday when Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu accused the former YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government of using low-quality ingredients and animal fat in the famous Tirupati laddus. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) claims that a lab in Gujarat found beef tallow, lard, and fish oil in the ghee used for making the laddus. In response to these allegations, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) have blacklisted the supplier and changed their ghee provider. However, the YSRCP has denied all claims.
What is 'Beef Tallow'?
Beef tallow is made by rendering the fatty tissue around the organs of animals such as cows and bulls. As its name suggests, beef tallow specifically comes from cows. It's often used for deep-frying and roasting, but it can also be found in the production of soaps and candles. It can also be made by melting fat that’s skimmed off meat, which then cools and becomes a soft solid, similar to butter.
What is 'Lard'?
Lard has largely been replaced by vegetable oil in most kitchens today. This semi-solid white fat is obtained by rendering the fatty tissue of pigs and has been a staple in communities that consume pork . While it was once a common ingredient in baking, vegetable oils are now the preferred choice for many cooks.
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