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

First, let's break down the basics. 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 will refer to wet rendering their tallow as “purifying”.  This is really just a fancy word for refining.  The main goal of refining tallow is to make it appear whiter and remove the tallow smell.  It is our strong opinion that tallow is…tallow.  It SHOULD look and smell like tallow.  The more we mess with it, the more we take away from its natural goodness.

Dry rendering boasts several advantages over its wet counterpart.

Firstly, dry rendering involves gently heating the tallow once, slowly, to preserve its natural nutrients, while wet rendering, which requires multiple heatings, disrupts and diminishes its fatty acid composition, leading to imbalances in polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Secondly, in terms of efficiency, dry rendering also comes out on top. Since it does not involve water, there is no need to wait for the water to evaporate or to deal with the disposal of large quantities of water-laden waste. This not only saves time but also reduces energy consumption and environmental impact.

Thirdly, from a practical standpoint, dry-rendered tallow tends to have a longer shelf life compared to its wet-rendered counterpart. The absence of water means there is less risk of microbial growth and spoilage, allowing dry-rendered tallow to be stored for extended periods without the need for refrigeration.

In conclusion, while both dry rendering and wet rendering are viable methods for producing tallow and better than synthetic alternatives, dry rendering emerges as the superior choice for those seeking quality, nutrients, versatility, efficiency, and practicality.

If you’d like more information on dry rendering tallow please head over to Jennifer at Grassland Beautys’ Blog.  She is sharing tons of wonderful information on the benefits of dry rendered grass fed tallow and is even sharing some test results she’s had done on her tallow products!