How to Render Tallow at Home
There’s something deeply satisfying about rendering your own tallow. On our regenerative farm, we honor the whole animal—from nose to tail—and rendering tallow is one of the oldest, most nourishing ways to use every part with purpose. Whether you’re making old-fashioned French fries or crafting skincare, this slow, intentional process delivers something so nourishing for your health and for your skin.
What Is Tallow?
Tallow is rendered fat from red meat animals, most commonly beef. It has a high smoke point, is shelf-stable, and when rendered properly, has a clean, neutral scent. In traditional skincare, tallow is prized for its similarity to our skin’s own oils, making it incredibly effective for moisturizing and healing.
Why Render Your Own Tallow?
• You control the process—no additives or mystery ingredients
• It’s an ancestral fat your body recognizes and loves
• Great for both food and skincare
• Saves money and reduces waste if you’re butchering at home
What You Need:
• Fat or leaf fat is even better (fat from around the kidneys is best—cleanest and mildest)
• Sharp knife
• Slow cooker, Dutch oven, or heavy-bottomed pot
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Clean glass jars for storing
Step-by-Step: How to Render Tallow
Step 1: Prep the Fat
Trim off any bits of meat or connective tissue, then chop the fat into small pieces. You can also grind it for faster rendering.
Step 2: Add to Pot & Heat Low and Slow
Place the chopped fat in your slow cooker or pot. Keep the heat low. High temps can scorch the fat and leave it smelling “off.” Low and slow is the key.
Step 3: Stir Occasionally
As the fat melts, it will separate from the solids. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking or burning. This can take several hours depending on the batch size.
Step 4: Strain & Store
Once the solids are browned and the fat is fully melted, strain it through cheesecloth into clean jars. Let it cool. It will turn from golden to creamy white.
Step 5: Use or Save
Store your tallow in a cool, dark place or the fridge. It keeps for months and can be used in cooking or to make balms, salves, soaps, and whipped body butters.
Farm Rendering Tips:
• Leaf fat gives the cleanest tallow—perfect for skincare.
• For ultra-pure tallow, for skincare making you can wet render a second time.
• Store in amber jars to protect from light.
• Tallow blends beautifully with herbs like calendula, chamomile, and lavender for skin-nourishing products.
Want the Good Stuff Without the Work?
We render pasture-raised by hand—slowly and with intention. If you’re looking for tallow skincare, we’ve got you covered with our tallow body butters and tallow face creams.
If you are local to us and want to purchase beef suet send us an email willowmoonfarmllc@gmail.com to schedule a pick up.