Why We’ve Chosen to Dry Render our Tallow.

When it comes to processing animal fat, particularly beef fat, two methods stand out: dry rendering and wet rendering (often referred to as “purifying”). Each method has its proponents, but for those seeking superior quality and versatility, dry rendering emerges as the clear winner.

Understanding Tallow

Tallow is a rendered form of beef fat, commonly used in cooking, soap making, cosmetics, and even as biodiesel fuel. Rendering is the process of separating fat from connective tissue and other impurities. Dry rendering involves heating the fat in the absence of water, while wet rendering involves boiling the fat multiple times in water and sometimes salt.

Many companies today refer to wet rendering their tallow as “purifying.” This is essentially a form of refining, aiming to make the tallow appear whiter and remove its natural scent. However, we believe that tallow should look and smell like tallow. The more we alter it, the more we strip away its natural goodness.

Advantages of Dry Rendering

1. Nutrient Preservation:

Dry rendering involves gently heating the tallow once, slowly, to preserve its natural nutrients. In contrast, wet rendering requires multiple heatings, which can disrupt and diminish its fatty acid composition, leading to imbalances in polyunsaturated fatty acids.

2. Efficiency:

Dry rendering does not involve water, eliminating the need to wait for water to evaporate or to deal with the disposal of water-laden waste. This not only saves time but also reduces energy consumption and environmental impact.

3. Extended Shelf Life:

Dry-rendered tallow tends to have a longer shelf life compared to its wet-rendered counterpart. The absence of water reduces the risk of microbial growth and spoilage, allowing it to be stored for extended periods without refrigeration.

Experience the Difference

At The Honest Goat, we incorporate our dry-rendered tallow into a variety of products, ensuring you reap its full benefits:

• Whipped Tallow Body Butter: Experience deep hydration and nourishment with our luxurious body butter, crafted to soothe and rejuvenate your skin.

• Citrus & Tallow Goat Milk Soap: Our handcrafted soaps combine the moisturizing properties of goat milk with the richness of dry-rendered tallow, offering a gentle cleanse for all skin types.

• Solid Lotion Bars: Convenient and mess-free, the bars melt on contact with skin, delivering long-lasting moisture thanks to our nutrient-rich dry rendered tallow.

• Lip Balm: Nourish and protect your lips with our deeply moisturizing balms, crafted with dry rendered tallow for a natural, healing touch.

Learn More

For a deeper dive into the benefits of dry-rendered tallow, visit Jennifer at Grassland Beauty’s Blog. She shares extensive information and test results on her tallow products, highlighting the advantages of this traditional method.