How to Render Tallow
If you’ve ever wanted to make your own tallow at home, we’re peeling back the curtain on how we do it at Myers Manor. Our rendering process is simple, low-waste, and done in small batches to ensure the highest purity and skin benefits. This method can be done with nothing more than a crockpot and some patience. Here’s our step-by-step guide—with photos and pro tips along the way.
Step 1: Start with High-Quality Fat
What to use: Look for suet or leaf fat from 100% grass-fed, grass-finished cattle. This fat is the cleanest and richest in skin-nourishing nutrients. We also use wild deer fat, when in season.
Pro tip: The whiter and firmer the fat, the better. Avoid yellow, waxy, or greasy pieces.
Step 2: Chop or Grind
Chop the fat into small cubes (½-inch or smaller) or run it through a meat grinder. Smaller pieces melt faster and more evenly.
Step 3: Add to Crockpot
Set your crockpot to low. Add your fat and a splash of water (¼ cup) to prevent scorching before the fat starts to melt.
Step 4: Low and Slow
Let the fat melt for several hours (4–8 hours), stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the fat separating from the solids, leaving behind crispy bits called “cracklings.”
Step 5: Strain
Once fully melted, strain the liquid tallow through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a heat-safe container.
Pro tip: Be careful—it’s hot! Use a glass jar or stainless steel bowl.
Step 6: Cool and Form “Tallow Cakes”
Let the tallow cool at room temperature or in the fridge. It will solidify into a creamy, off-white block—what we call a tallow cake.
Step 7: Scrape the Gunk
Flip the tallow cake over and scrape off the brownish layer on the bottom. This is leftover protein, water, or impurities. It’s totally normal but we don’t want it in our skincare!
Step 8: Re-Render (Yes, Multiple Times)
Now here’s where we go the extra mile: We re-render our tallow 4–5 times for maximum purity and shelf life.
Each time:
Cut the tallow into chunks.
Gently re-melt it in a clean crockpot (no added water this time).
Strain again.
Cool, form a cake, and scrape off more impurities.
Why it matters: Each render removes more impurities, resulting in ultra-clean, long-lasting tallow with zero scent.
Final Step: Store or Whip
Your pure tallow is now ready to be:
Whipped with essential oils
Mixed with jojoba or olive oil
Stored in jars for later use
Why We Do It This Way
At Myers Manor, we believe skincare should be as pure as your lifestyle. That’s why we take the time to render our tallow slowly, intentionally, and without shortcuts. The result? A balm so pure, your skin drinks it in.