Page 10 - Back to the Basics - Homesteading

WET

RENDERED

TALLOW

What is Rendered Beef Tallow?
Beef tallow is a type of animal fat derived
from cattle, specifically from the suet (hard

fat found around the kidneys and loins) and
other fatty trimmings. Once the fat is
rendered—a process of melting and
separating the fat from connective tissue
and impurities—it becomes a shelf-stable,

creamy fat used in cooking, soap-making,
skincare products, candles, and even
lubricants.

Composition
Source: Suet and fatty beef trimmings.
Main Components:
Saturated fats (about 50-55%)
Monounsaturated fats (about 40%)

Small amounts of polyunsaturated
fats Wet Rendering Process for Beef Tallow
Minor amounts of water, proteins, Wet rendering uses water (often with gentle heat) to separate the fat from the

and connective tissue (which are meat and connective tissue, unlike dry rendering, which uses only heat. This
removed during rendering) method produces cleaner, whiter, less "meaty"-smelling tallow—great for cosmetic
or skincare use.

Supplies Needed
Raw beef fat (suet or trimmings), chopped small
Large stockpot or slow cooker
Water

Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Heat-proof containers (jars or tins) for storage
Knife and cutting board