Beef tallow is having its moment - much like liver and heart. People are realizing they don’t need to spend a lot of money for great, natural products!
What is tallow?
Tallow is a fancy word for rendered beef fat. Beef fat is cooked to a liquid and then used for a variety of things - cooking, balms and lotions, candles, and more.
Tallow has many nutrients to heal, soothe and moisturize skin. It’s deeply nourishing, contains vitamins like A, D, K, E, B12, and contains natural anti-inflammatory properties. It also has palmitic acid which helps improve the protective barrier on your skin, stearic acid which helps repair the skin and helps with skin’s flexibility and suppleness, and helps skin appear more youthful and healthier. This is just a few of the amazing things about tallow!
How do I make my own tallow?
Making beef tallow is not difficult, but there are a few items and tools you’ll want to have to help you achieve a smooth beef tallow as a final product.
Large pot. The fat cooks down in a dutch oven or a stock pot, and we suggest you use a bigger pot that you think you’ll need.
Fine mesh strainer. A fine strainer will catch any large pieces of meat and other impurities that don’t cook down with the fat.
Funnel. A funnel is a must-have when doing the final straining into your storage jar(s). Any funnel will do.
Cheesecloth, coffee filter or paper towel.
Wide mouth mason jars. A wide mouth mason jar makes the perfect jar for storing your tallow. The wide mouth makes it easier to get the tallow in and out.
Today, we’re making a tallow balm recipe. Tallow balm has been used for centuries and is a healing product that you don’t want to be without. Ready to give it a try?
How to make tallow balm - solid and whipped
Ingredients:
1 c. tallow
¼ c. olive oil
12 - 48 drops essential oils of choice (optional)
Directions:
Render your beef fat until it is liquid. (We like to put it in a dutch oven on low for 6-8 hours)
Add olive oil and stir to combine
Add essential oils and stir again (optional)
For solid balm, pour into a glass jar. Allow to harden in the refrigerator. When solid, let balm come to room temperature before using.
For whipped balm, pour liquid into a large mixing bowl. Allow to solidify at room temperature. When solid, whip with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy. Store in glass jar.
Store both forms at room temperature.
Put this balm on your face as a moisturizer, eczema, dry skin, acne, and even diaper rash. We hope you like it as much as we do!