Tallow
Tallow is a rendered form of beef or mutton fat, processed from suet. It is solid at room temperature. Unlike suet, tallow can be stored for extended periods without the need for refrigeration to prevent decomposition, provided it is kept in an airtight container to prevent oxidation.
Tallow is not strictly defined as beef or mutton fat. In this context, tallow is animal fat that conforms to certain technical criteria, including its melting point. It is common for commercial tallow to contain fat derived from other animals, such as lard from pigs, or even from plant sources.
Uses
Tallow is used mainly in producing soap and animal feed.
- Production of biodiesel - Tallow can be used for the production of biodiesel in much the same way as oils from plants are currently used.
- Food - A significant use of tallow is for the production of shortening. It is one of the main ingredients of Native American food called pemmican.
- Niche uses - Many items of traditional goods are produced from tallow, which was widely available domestically. Tallow can also be used as flux for soldering.It is also the primary ingredient in some leather conditioners. Tallow used to be used commonly in high-end shaving soaps.
Tallow also has a use in printmaking where it is combined with bitumen and applied to metal print plates to provide a resist to acid etching.
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