Pure tallow is versatile and can be used for cooking, deep frying, candle making, soap making, and even as a moisturizing cream. For optimal results, aim for the cleanest, whitest tallow possible.

We obtain fat trimmings from our local butcher for free.  Our local butcher generally throws away a couple hundred pounds of fat each week - even after giving away all that's requested.  

The process of rendering tallow is straightforward, but there are several small steps to enhance efficiency, cleanliness, and reduce odor. The key steps are:

1. Grind

2. Render

3. Solidify

4. Harvest

5. Purify

The first process that will greatly increase the yield is to run the fat through a meat grinder.  If you don't have a meat grinder you need to cut the fat into the smallest pieces possible for the best yield.

While you can render the fat in a crock pot or other kettle, the use of a pressure cooker will greatly reduce the odor, speed the process, and increase the yield of liquid tallow.   The pressure cooker seals in the steam which keeps the smell to a minimum.  You need to add water to about half the depth of the fat pieces to absorb impurities and modulate the temperature.

We pressure cook the ground fat and water mixture in our Ninja Tender Crips for 4 hours.  Longer is great, but less than that and the yield will be lower.

After the pressure has been released from the pressure cooker, pour the fat water mix into a bowl and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.  Do not freeze as we want the water to be liquid and the tallow solid for harvesting and separation.  

I'm told that the solids left are good to eat if fried to a crunch.  We feed the solids to the dogs and cats and they go nuts for it.  

You want the tallow near 40 degrees so it's as solid as possible, but the water is liquid.  We refrigerate for at least 8 hours to allow the entire volume to thoroughly chill.

After the tallow has solidified on the water surface, it can be easily separated from the liquid water.  

At this stage the tallow has a distinct yellow color.  You could fry with it at this point - but is still containing water mixed in and protein solids.  If this stage tallow is heated above boiling point in a deep fryer too fast, it can result in a steam explosion and tallow being projected throughout the room. 

For this reason I highly recommend continuing to the next stage where protein solids are cooked out and the water is driven off by much higher heat.

For the reheating we use an induction element with a large sheet of paper to catch splatter.

You'll notice that the tallow is somewhat opaque as it heats.  This is caused by protein solids which will cook and solidify on the surface and on the pan once it's well above the boiling point of water.

When the tallow nears 200 degrees it will start to boil as water vaporizes and boils off.   As the temperate approaches 300 degrees you will see particles of protein solids accumulating on the surface and on the surface of the pan.  

Because 350 degree tallow can be dangerous - don't pour it.  Rather wait until it cools considerably and then dip it out using a small metal sauce pan.  Pour this through a metal kitchen sieve or layers of cheese cloth into a can or other metal container for storage.  You'll notice that while it still has an amber color, the tallow is much more transparent and cleaner now that the proteins have been cooked off.

This image is of the protein solids that accumulate on the pan. 

After completeing all of these steps the tallow can be whipped with olive oil into moistureizing cream

Here's a simple, nourishing recipe for a moisturizing cream using tallow, olive oil, and fragrance. Tallow is rich in fatty acids that help repair and moisturize the skin, while olive oil adds extra hydration. Essential oils can be added for fragrance and additional skin benefits.

Ingredients

• 1 cup tallow (grass-fed if possible, for purity)

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 5-10 drops essential oil (lavender, tea tree, or chamomile are gentle on the skin, but use any you prefer)

Equipment

• Double boiler (or a heat-safe bowl and a pot)

• Whisk or hand mixer

• Clean jar with a lid

Instructions

1. Melt the Tallow: Place the tallow in a double boiler over low heat until fully melted. (Alternatively, put a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water.)

2. Add Olive Oil: Once the tallow is melted, add the olive oil. Stir well to combine.

3. Cool Slightly: Remove the bowl from heat and let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes. It should still be warm but not hot.

4. Add Essential Oils: Add 5-10 drops of your chosen essential oil. Mix well.

5. Whip the Mixture: Using a hand mixer or whisk, whip the mixture for 3-5 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This step helps with the texture, making it easier to apply.

6. Transfer and Store: Pour the whipped cream into a clean jar and store it in a cool, dry place. It will firm up as it cools but will soften when applied to the skin.

To Use

Apply a small amount to dry areas, such as hands, elbows, and feet. A little goes a long way since it's rich in fats and oils.

This cream can be kept at room temperature for several months due to the stable nature of tallow and olive oil. Enjoy your homemade moisturizing cream!

Adding stearic acid to tallow helps create a slower-burning candle. Stearic acid is commonly used in candle-making to harden the wax, improve burn time, and increase opacity. By blending it with tallow, which is softer and more prone to melting quickly, you'll get a firmer, more resilient wax. This can help the candle burn more slowly and evenly.

For best results:

1. Use a ratio of around 10-20% stearic acid to tallow. This will give the candle more structure without making it overly hard.

2. Melt the tallow and stearic acid together carefully, ensuring both components are fully mixed before pouring into molds.

3. Test burn a small candle first, as this can help you gauge how well it burns with your chosen wick size and ambient temperature.

Making a candle with tallow and stearic acid is a fun project! Here’s a step-by-step procedure:

Materials Needed

• Tallow (rendered animal fat)

• Stearic acid

• Wick (cotton or other suitable material)

• Double boiler (or a pot and a heat-safe bowl)

• Thermometer (optional)

• Mold (can be a candle mold, or any heat-safe container)

• Coloring agents (optional)

• Fragrance oils (optional)

Procedure

1. Prepare the Workspace:

   • Cover your workspace with newspaper or an old cloth to catch any spills.

   • Gather all your materials and tools.

2. Melt the Tallow:

   • Cut the tallow into smaller pieces for easier melting.

   • Place the tallow in the double boiler (or a pot with water) and heat gently. Avoid direct heat to prevent burning.

3. Add Stearic Acid:

   • Once the tallow is melted, gradually add stearic acid. A common ratio is about 1 part stearic acid to 4 parts tallow, but you can adjust based on your desired hardness.

   • Stir continuously until fully dissolved.

4. Monitor Temperature:

   • If you have a thermometer, aim for a temperature between 160°F to 180°F (70°C to 80°C). This is the ideal pouring temperature.

5. Add Color and Fragrance (Optional):

   • If you want to add color, mix in candle dyes suitable for tallow.

   • For fragrance, add a few drops of fragrance oil and stir well.

6. Prepare the Wick:

   • While the mixture is cooling slightly, prepare your wick. If using a mold, attach the wick to the bottom using a bit of melted tallow or a wick sticker.

7. Pour the Mixture:

   • Once the mixture has cooled slightly but is still pourable, carefully pour it into your mold or container. Leave some space at the top if using a mold.

8. Secure the Wick:

   • Make sure the wick stays centered. You can use a wick holder or a skewer laid across the top of the mold.

9. Cooling:

   • Allow the candle to cool completely at room temperature. This may take several hours.

10. Finish:

    • Once cooled, trim the wick to about ¼ inch above the surface of the candle.

    • If using a mold, gently remove the candle once it’s completely set.

11. Curing (Optional):

    • For better scent throw and burn quality, allow the candle to cure for a few days before burning.

Safety Tips

• Always work in a well-ventilated area.

• Use caution when working with hot materials.

• Dispose of any unused tallow and stearic acid properly.

Enjoy your homemade tallow candle!

Making soap from tallow has several advantages:

1. Moisturizing Properties: Tallow is rich in fatty acids, which can help moisturize and nourish the skin, making it a great choice for soap.

2. Hardness and Longevity: Tallow creates a hard bar of soap that lasts longer than many softer soap varieties, providing better value over time.

3. Lather Quality: Tallow contributes to a rich, creamy lather, enhancing the overall washing experience.

4. Gentleness: Tallow soap is generally gentle on the skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.

5. Natural Ingredients: Using tallow allows for a natural soap-making process, often free from synthetic ingredients, which appeals to those looking for traditional, sustainable options.

6. Sustainability: Utilizing animal fats like tallow can be a way to reduce waste, especially if the fat comes from animals raised for food.

7. Cost-Effective: Tallow is often less expensive than commercial oils and butters used in soap-making, making it a budget-friendly option.

8. Versatility: Tallow can be combined with various other oils and additives, allowing for a wide range of formulations and benefits.

9. Historical Significance: Tallow has been used for centuries in soap-making, connecting modern makers to traditional practices.

10. Easy to Source: In many areas, tallow is relatively easy to obtain, especially if you're connected to local farms or butcher shops.

Overall, tallow soap combines functionality, tradition, and skin benefits, making it a popular choice among many soap makers.

Making soap from tallow is a traditional method that produces a hard, moisturizing bar. Here's a straightforward recipe for tallow soap:

Materials Needed

• Tallow: 500g (rendered animal fat)

• Lye (sodium hydroxide): 70g

• Distilled water: 190g

• Essential oils (optional): for fragrance

• Colorants (optional): natural or cosmetic-grade

• Digital scale: for accurate measurements

• Thermometer: for temperature monitoring

• Stick blender: for mixing

• Soap mold: silicone or wooden

• Safety gear: gloves, goggles, and mask

Procedure

1. Prepare Your Workspace:

   • Ensure your workspace is clean and well-ventilated. Lay down protective coverings.

2. Measure the Ingredients:

   • Weigh the tallow, lye, and water accurately using a digital scale.

3. Prepare the Lye Solution:

   • Slowly add the lye to the distilled water (never the other way around) in a well-ventilated area. Stir gently until the lye is completely dissolved. This mixture will heat up and emit fumes, so be cautious.

   • Set it aside to cool to around 100°F (38°C).

4. Melt the Tallow:

   • Gently melt the tallow in a double boiler or microwave until fully liquid. Allow it to cool to around 100°F (38°C).

5. Combine Lye and Tallow:

   • Once both the lye solution and tallow are at the same temperature (around 100°F), slowly pour the lye solution into the melted tallow.

   • Use a stick blender to mix until you reach "trace" (the mixture thickens and leaves a trail when drizzled).

6. Add Fragrance and Color (Optional):

   • If using essential oils or colorants, mix them in at this stage, blending thoroughly.

7. Pour into Mold:

   • Carefully pour the soap mixture into your mold, smoothing the top if desired.

8. Insulate:

   • Cover the mold with a towel or blanket to help it retain heat and encourage saponification.

9. Cure:

   • Let the soap sit in the mold for 24-48 hours until it hardens. Once solid, remove it from the mold.

10. Cut and Cure Further:

    • Cut the soap into bars. Allow them to cure in a cool, dry place for 4-6 weeks to ensure they harden and the lye fully saponifies.

Safety Tips

• Always wear gloves, goggles, and a mask when working with lye.

• Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.

• Store lye safely away from children and pets.

Notes

• You can adjust the recipe's proportions based on the desired batch size, keeping the lye and water ratio consistent.

• Tallow soap can be a bit more moisturizing than other soap types due to the fatty acids in the fat.

Enjoy your tallow soap-making experience!