If you’ve been rendering beef fat (tallow) and still have chunks left after 24 hours using the wet method, you might wonder if you should render again or if you’ve gotten everything you can. Here’s a quick guide and some interesting facts about how this old practice is making its way back into modern homes.

Leftover Chunks: Should You Do Another Round?

We see this question asked a lot in homesteading forums and so we posed it to our resident expert, Aaron McLaughlin. Here is what he had to say:

After rendering for 24 hours, it’s likely you’ve already extracted most of the tallow. If you want to improve your results next time:

• Cut or grind the fat first: Smaller pieces make it easier for the fat to fully render.
• Try another round: You can give the leftover chunks another go, but the amount of tallow you’ll get will be small.

The liquid leftover is mostly water and doesn’t have enough flavor for broth, especially without meat. It’s best discarded or used in compost.

A Look Back: The Tradition of Rendering Fat

For centuries, rendering fat was essential for using every part of an animal. Lard (from pork) and tallow were household staples used for cooking, baking, and soap-making. Before refrigeration, families preserved meat by submerging it in rendered fat. This practice faded as processed oils like margarine took over in the 20th century, but it was once central to food preparation in both European and American homesteads.

The Modern Revival: Sustainability and Homesteading

Recently, traditional skills like fat rendering have seen a resurgence as part of the homesteading and sustainability movements. People are rediscovering the benefits of rendering as a way to minimize waste, support local farmers, and avoid additives found in processed fats. Tallow and lard are versatile, nutrient-rich ingredients that can be used for cooking, soaps, and even candles. Looking for locally made products? Check out the Go Alberta Directory by clicking here.

Rendering fits into the modern “nose-to-tail” philosophy, where every part of an animal is valued, aligning with sustainability goals and mindful consumption.

Rendering Beef Fat is Sustainable!

Rendering fat is part of a broader return to self-sufficient, sustainable living. Whether you’re new to homesteading or simply want to reduce waste, rendering your own tallow is a rewarding way to connect with traditional practices and live more sustainably.

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