What to Do with Tallow

Jan 21

At The Farms of Illinois, we offer products that embody our commitment to sustainable, high-quality farming practices. We offer a variety of beef products, including tallow—a rendered fat derived from our grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle. Tallow isn’t just a byproduct; it’s a versatile and valuable resource with a long history of use in cooking, skincare, and more!

Our cattle, raised on chemical-free pastures without hormones or antibiotics, produce nutrient-dense meat and high-quality tallow. If you’re interested in using tallow but don’t know what to do with it, we’re covering some of the many things you can make with it.

What is Tallow?

Tallow is fat that has been rendered, or slowly melted down and purified. It comes from beef or lamb, with beef tallow being the most common. Historically, tallow was a household staple used for cooking, lighting, and making soaps and balms.

The tallow from The Farms of Illinois is a byproduct of our commitment to ethical, regenerative farming. Our cattle graze on pasture, are never given hormones or antibiotics, and are either grass-fed and grass-finished or grass-fed and non-GMO grain-finished. This ensures that the tallow we produce is as pure and nutrient-rich as possible.

1. Cooking with Tallow

Tallow is an excellent cooking fat, particularly for high-heat. With a high smoke point of 420–480°F, it stands up to frying, roasting, and searing without breaking down or smoking.

Frying: Use tallow to fry potatoes, chicken, or vegetables. Its high heat tolerance creates crisp, golden textures while imparting a subtle, savory flavor.
Roasting: Coat your vegetables or meats in tallow before roasting to enhance their flavor and achieve a rich, caramelized finish.
Sautéing: Tallow’s stable composition makes it a great alternative to butter or vegetable oil for sautéing food like onions or garlic.

Tallow’s natural composition is rich in healthy fats, particularly omega-3s and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which contribute to its unique taste and health benefits.

2. Tallow in Skincare

If you want to know what to do with tallow that isn’t related to food, one of tallow’s lesser-known benefits is its suitability for skincare. Tallow is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, and its composition closely resembles the natural oils (sebum) produced by human skin.

Moisturizer: Use tallow as a base for homemade face creams, body butter, or lip balm. It’s especially beneficial for dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin.
Anti-aging Properties: The vitamins and fatty acids in tallow help to nourish the skin, reduce inflammation, and support cell regeneration.
Versatility: Apply tallow directly to the skin or mix it with essential oils and other natural ingredients for a luxurious, all-natural skincare product.

Unlike synthetic moisturizers, tallow is free from harsh chemicals, making it a great sustainable and skin-friendly option.

3. Tallow for Candles and Soaps

Tallow’s firm texture and long shelf life make it a perfect option for candles and soaps. These traditional uses are making a comeback for natural and sustainable home products without added chemicals.

Candles: Tallow candles burn cleanly and evenly, with a subtle natural fragrance. Making candles from tallow is a fun and eco-friendly way to create custom lighting for your home.
Soaps: Tallow is an excellent base for soap, offering a creamy lather and moisturizing properties. It’s also gentle on sensitive skin, making it a great choice for those who want a natural alternative to commercial soaps.

Creating tallow-based candles and soaps is not only practical but also a creative way to repurpose this versatile ingredient.

4. Tallow for Seasoning Cast Iron

If you own cast iron cookware, tallow is one of the best fats you can use for seasoning. Its high smoke point and stable composition create a durable, non-stick coating that protects your pans and enhances your cooking.

Seasoning Process: Rub a thin layer of melted tallow onto your cast iron pan, then bake it in the oven at a high temperature. Repeat this process a few times to build up a slick, long-lasting finish.
Maintenance: Use tallow regularly to maintain your pans and keep them in top condition.

Seasoning your cookware with tallow ensures that your pans remain naturally non-stick and free from synthetic chemicals.

Brussels sprouts in a black cast iron pan

Why Choose Tallow from The Farms of Illinois?

The quality of tallow begins with the health of the animals it comes from. At The Farms of Illinois, our regenerative farming practices prioritize the well-being of our cattle and the health of the environment. By allowing our cows to graze freely and follow a natural diet, we produce tallow that is nutrient-dense, flavorful, and free from harmful additives.

Tallow is more than a cooking fat—it’s a versatile, sustainable product that reflects our commitment to ethical farming and resourcefulness. By choosing tallow from The Farms of Illinois, you’re supporting local farmers and embracing a product that has been used for generations in kitchens and homes.