To Create Tallow by hand, which can then be used in multiple ways from soap to candles, or even a cooking fat, we need to understand the basics of what it is. It starts with fat that is raw and hard. It is found around the kidneys and loins of cattle and sheep. It’s the primo stuff for making tallow because of its high melting point and low levels of impurities.
Create Tallow by Hand
This information on how to create Tallow by hand, is elder wisdom that should be passed on to your kids, so please make sure once you have this process down, that you share it with them. At once point, every family knew how to do this, and it allowed these families to craft many different things with it.
Suit Up for Fat
When you create tallow by hand, its going to be a bit messy. If you can do it without getting on yourself, I will be properly impressed. But before we get into how to create Tallow by hand, we need to get the proper ingredients as well as wear the proper gear. First thing is to acquire some fat. If you have a local butcher, they’ll likely give it to you for next to nothing—if not for free. Butchers usually consider it scrap, so you’re essentially rescuing it from the trash bin. Now, don an apron (I suggest a vinyl apron), because things are about to get messy.
Head to the chopping station
Chop the fat into small pieces, about the size of sugar cubes. The smaller the pieces, the easier and quicker they’ll render. You can also use a food processor if you want to go all-out modern with your traditional task. Personally, I think there’s enjoyment in doing these tasks by hand. It’s also good practice if there’s ever a time you have no electricity. There’s something satisfying about getting back to basics and working with your own two hands.
Melting it down
Once you chopped the fatdown to bits, place the chopped fat in a heavy-bottomed pot or slow cooker. Set it on low heat. We want to melt the fat slowly, so it renders out as much pure tallow as possible. The more fat you melt, the longer it takes; I often let it go in the slow cooker all day, checking periodically to give it a stir and ensure nothing sticks. As it melts, you’ll see liquid fat separating from any remaining bits of meat or connective tissue. These leftover bits are known as “cracklings” —and yes, they’re quite delicious to snack on.
Strain the Tallow
Once the fat has fully melted (this can take several hours), it’s time to strain. Pour the melted fat through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a clean container. This step ensures that your tallow is smooth and free of any bits that could interfere with your projects. Let the liquid tallow cool and solidify at room temperature. It’ll turn a creamy white once it’s set.
Storing Your Tallow
Tallow is amazingly shelf-stable, so you’ve got options. You can store it in an airtight jar at room temperature for several months, or pop it in the fridge to extend its life even longer. If you’re planning to keep it for the long haul, the freezer is your best bet — just portion it out into smaller containers so you can grab what you need without thawing the whole batch. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s stored in a cool, dark place to preserve its quality.
Putting Your Tallow to Work!
Your kitchen will smell like you’ve got a roast in the oven. The family might be dissapointed to learn you went to create tallow by hand instead. Now that you’ve made tallow, you might wonder what do you do with it? Here’s some ways you can use it…
- Candle-Making: Make some old-school tallow candles. They’re great for setting a rustic mood or for when the power goes out and you want to feel extra resourceful. Tallow candles can last a long time.
- Soap: Tallow soap is moisturising and creates a rich lather. Plus, you’ll feel like a chemistry wizard when you explain saponification to your friends, it also makes amazing Christmas gifts.
- Cooking: Tallow is a fantastic cooking fat. It has a high smoke point, making it perfect for frying or roasting. Your homemade chips just got a serious upgrade.
- Skin Care: Believe it or not, tallow is amazing for your skin. It’s rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, and its composition is similar to that of human skin, making it ultra-moisturising.
Pro Tips
Add essential oils to candles to make them smell better, spreading a lovely scent throughout your home. Try experimenting with different scents, and save some for your family for holiday gifts.
Adding menthol, cayenne pepper, and Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) from your local weed store, and make a powerful pain relieving lotion. Add some arrowroot powder to thicken it up. If you are in a “dry” state, or have no access to RSO, you can alternatively try using ground avacado pit.
Remember, rendering fat into tallow takes time, but it’s totally worth it. Just think of all the cool, people throughout history who did this before you — Your great grand parents, to name just a few.
If you make too much tallow, share it with friends or family. Or don’t—because once you realise how amazing it is, you might want to keep it all.
