Are you a fan of using beef tallow in your cooking or skincare routine? If so, you may be interested in learning how to purify it for a whiter appearance and less odor.
Purifying beef tallow is an optional step after rendering the fat, but it can make a big difference in the final product. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to purify beef tallow and get it ready for use.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the world of tallow, this guide will help you achieve a high-quality end result. So let’s get started!
How To Purify Beef Tallow?
To begin, you’ll need to have already rendered your beef fat into tallow. If you haven’t done this yet, check out our article on how to render beef tallow for step-by-step instructions.
Once you have your tallow, it’s time to purify it. Start by cutting the tallow into large chunks and placing it back in a pan over medium to high heat. Add 5 cups of water and 1/4 cup of salt. The salt will help pull out any additional impurities.
Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce it to a simmer for 10 minutes. After that, allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before straining it through a cheesecloth into a metal bowl. You can use the cheesecloth over a strainer to give it rigidity.
We recommend using a metal bowl for three reasons: it won’t melt, you’ll know it was purified as opposed to rendered batches which may be in plastic molds, and impurities will be centered in a circle on the bottom.
Place the bowl in a cool place to solidify. You can use the refrigerator, but if you have glass shelves, wait until it has cooled a bit before placing it on the racks.
Once the tallow has solidified, dump the bowl upside down quickly in your sink or a large basin. The water will be trapped under the tallow and surge out all of a sudden. If it sticks in the bowl, run a little hot water over the bottom of it.
Drain all the water from around it and scrape off any impurities with a metal spoon. If you plan on using it soon, allow it to dry, cut it to the size you want, and store it in a cool dry place like a pantry or place it in the refrigerator or freezer.
Alternatively, you can also can your purified beef tallow for longer-term storage. Check out our post on how to can beef tallow for more information.
What Is Beef Tallow And Why Purify It?
Beef tallow is a form of purified animal fat that is rendered from beef fat. The process of rendering involves cooking the fat down until it is melted and all impurities are removed. Tallow is a solid at room temperature and melts into a liquid when heated. It has been used by our ancestors for many years due to its versatility and nutrient density. Tallow can also be rendered from other ruminant animals such as sheep.
While rendering removes most impurities, purifying tallow is an optional additional step that can further remove any remaining impurities, making it whiter and less odorous. This step is particularly important if the tallow has been overcooked, as it can affect the smell and color of the final product. By purifying tallow, you can ensure that it is of high quality and suitable for use in various applications.
Purifying tallow involves cutting it into large chunks and placing it back in a pan with water and salt. The salt helps to pull out any additional impurities. After boiling the mixture for 10 minutes, allow it to cool for 5 minutes before straining it through a cheesecloth into a metal bowl. The bowl should then be placed in a cool place to solidify.
Once solidified, the tallow can be removed from the bowl by quickly dumping it upside down in a sink or basin. Any remaining water can then be drained off, and impurities can be scraped off with a metal spoon. The purified tallow can then be cut into the desired size and stored in a cool, dry place or canned for longer-term storage.
By purifying beef tallow, you can ensure that you are using a high-quality product that honors the animal and brings value to your life through its many uses in cooking, skincare, and other applications.
Supplies Needed For Purifying Beef Tallow
To purify beef tallow, you’ll need the following supplies:
– Large pan or pot
– Cheesecloth or paint strainers
– Colander or sieve
– Metal bowl
– Sharp knife
– Measuring cup
– Salt
– Water
Make sure to use a large pan or pot that can hold all of your tallow chunks and enough water to cover it. You’ll also need cheesecloth or paint strainers to line your colander or sieve, which will catch any impurities in the tallow. A metal bowl is recommended for solidifying the tallow, as it won’t melt and impurities will be centered in a circle on the bottom.
A sharp knife is essential for cutting your tallow into large chunks, and a measuring cup will help you accurately measure out the salt. You’ll need 1/4 cup of salt for every 5 cups of water.
Finally, make sure you have enough water to cover your tallow chunks and provide enough volume for simmering. The amount of water needed will depend on how much tallow you have, but a good rule of thumb is to use enough water to cover the tallow by at least an inch.
Step-by-Step Guide To Purifying Beef Tallow
Now that you have a general idea of how to purify beef tallow, let’s dive into a more detailed step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Cut the tallow into large chunks and place it back in a pan over medium to high heat.
Step 2: Add 5 cups of water and 1/4 cup of salt. The salt will help pull out any additional impurities.
Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce it to a simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 4: After simmering, allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before straining it through a cheesecloth into a metal bowl. You can use the cheesecloth over a strainer to give it rigidity.
Step 5: Place the bowl in a cool place to solidify. You can use the refrigerator, but if you have glass shelves, wait until it has cooled a bit before placing it on the racks.
Step 6: Once the tallow has solidified, dump the bowl upside down quickly in your sink or a large basin. The water will be trapped under the tallow and surge out all of a sudden. If it sticks in the bowl, run a little hot water over the bottom of it.
Step 7: Drain all the water from around it and scrape off any impurities with a metal spoon.
Step 8: If you plan on using it soon, allow it to dry, cut it to the size you want, and store it in a cool dry place like a pantry or place it in the refrigerator or freezer.
Step 9: Alternatively, you can also can your purified beef tallow for longer-term storage. Check out our post on how to can beef tallow for more information.
Remember, purifying beef tallow is an important step in ensuring its longevity and purity. By following these simple steps, you’ll have high-quality tallow that can be used for cooking or other purposes for years to come.
Tips For Achieving A High-Quality End Result
If you want to achieve a high-quality end result when purifying beef tallow, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
Firstly, make sure to use high-quality beef fat from a reputable source. The quality of the fat will directly impact the quality of the tallow.
Secondly, be careful not to overcook the tallow during the rendering process, as this can affect the final color and smell. If you do end up with a batch of overcooked tallow, purifying it can help to reduce any off smells or colors.
Thirdly, use a metal bowl for purifying your tallow to avoid any potential melting or contamination from plastic or other materials.
Finally, make sure to scrape off any impurities from the tallow after it has been purified. This will ensure that your final product is clean and pure. With these tips in mind, you should be able to produce a high-quality end result when purifying beef tallow.
Uses For Purified Beef Tallow In Cooking And Skincare
Purified beef tallow has a wide range of uses, both in cooking and skincare. In cooking, it is known for its rich flavor and high smoking point, making it a versatile ingredient for a variety of dishes. It is also high in beneficial fats, providing fatty acids and cholesterol that are essential for a healthy diet.
When it comes to skincare, purified beef tallow is loaded with vitamins A, D, and K, as well as antioxidants that promote skin rejuvenation and prevent aging. Vitamin E, in particular, is known to fight free radicals that cause wrinkles and prevent the breakdown of collagen.
One of the most popular uses for purified beef tallow in skincare is as a moisturizer. Tallow balm made from grass-fed tallow is deeply nourishing and compatible with the skin’s natural composition, making it an excellent choice for soothing a variety of skin conditions such as eczema, diaper rash, sunburn, windburn, acne, and itchy skin. It can also be used to make other skincare products such as lip balm, herb-infused salve, drawing salve, vapor salve, sunscreen, shaving cream, sugar and salt scrubs and lotion bars.
Purified beef tallow can also be used as a deep conditioning treatment for hair. It helps to keep hair soft and moisturized while preventing split ends. It can also be used to make shampoo bars and DIY heat protectants for hair.
Finally, purified beef tallow can be used in soap making to add hardness to soap bars while also providing skin benefits. Tallow soap bars last longer than other types of soap since they do not melt away easily when wet. They also provide a creamy lather that is gentle on the skin.
