Beef tallow is experiencing a well-deserved resurgence, and there’s no better way to enjoy its rich flavor and health benefits than by making it yourself at home. Using REP Provisions Beef Suet—sourced from 100% grass-fed, regeneratively raised cattle—you can craft a nutrient-packed cooking fat that outperforms store-bought options in quality, taste, and sustainability. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the simple process of rendering tallow from REP Provisions Beef Suet, highlight its impressive health benefits, and explain why homemade tallow beats the commercial stuff every time.
What You’ll Need
- REP Provisions Beef Suet: Ideally about 1-2 pounds to start.
- A sharp knife or meat grinder (optional, but helpful).
- A heavy-bottomed pot, slow cooker, or Dutch oven.
- A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
- A clean glass jar or container for storage.
Step-by-Step Instructions on making beef tallow.
-
Stove Top Method
-
Cut the beef suet into small, uniform pieces and place in the pot.
-
Set the heat to low or medium-low. Allow the fat to gradually melt. It's very important to heat the fat slowly to prevent scorching and to maintain the quality of the tallow.
-
Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent any sticking or burning.
-
As the fat melts, it will release a liquid called tallow and solids known as cracklings. Continue heating until the fat has completely melted and the cracklings turn golden brown and crispy.
-
Carefully strain the liquid tallow from the large pot through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any remaining solids or impurities.
-
Transfer the strained tallow into storage containers, such as glass jars or heat-resistant containers, and allow it to cool and solidify.
Slow Cooker Method
-
Cut the beef suet into small, uniform pieces and place them in the slow cooker.
-
Set the slow cooker to very low heat and cover with the lid.
-
Allow the fat to slowly melt and render over several hours, typically 6 to 8 hours. The low and slow heating helps maintain the quality of the tallow and prevents scorching.
-
Occasionally stir the hot fat to ensure even melting and prevent any sticking.
-
Once the fat has completely melted, strain the liquid tallow through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solids or impurities.
-
Transfer the strained tallow into storage containers and let it cool and solidify.
-
Health Benefits of Beef Tallow
Rendering your own tallow from REP Provisions Beef Suet doesn’t just give you a versatile cooking fat—it delivers a powerhouse of health benefits, especially from grass-fed sources like REP’s:- Rich in Nutrients: Tallow from grass-fed beef is packed with fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which support immune function, bone health, and skin repair. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), linked to fat loss, reduced inflammation, and even potential anti-cancer properties.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: REP Provisions boasts one of the best omega-6 to omega-3 ratios in the beef world (1.7:1, similar to fish), unlike the unhealthy 10:1 ratio in most conventional beef. This balance supports cardiovascular health and reduces inflammation.
- High Smoke Point: With a smoke point around 400°F / 204°C, tallow is perfect for frying and roasting without breaking down into harmful compounds, unlike unstable seed oils.
- Sustainable and Nose-to-Tail: Using suet honors the whole animal, reducing waste and aligning with regenerative farming practices that REP Provisions champions—better for you and the planet.
Why Homemade Tallow Beats Store-Bought
Making your own tallow from REP Provisions Beef Suet has clear advantages over grabbing a jar off the shelf:
- Purity Control: Store-bought tallow can contain additives, preservatives, or lower-quality fats from grain-fed cattle. With REP’s suet, you start with premium, grass-fed fat from regeneratively raised cows—no chemicals, hormones, or antibiotics.
- Fresher Flavor: Homemade tallow retains a clean, subtle beefiness that mass-produced versions often lose. You control the process, ensuring it’s rendered just right.
- Nutritional Edge: Grass-fed beef suet, like REP’s, has a superior nutrient profile compared to the conventional fat used in most commercial tallow. You’re getting more vitamins, better fats, and that unbeatable omega ratio.
- Cost and Sustainability: Rendering your own is cost-effective, especially with REP’s high-quality suet, and it supports a transparent, ethical food system over industrial production.
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!