Suet tallow is a premium fat carefully rendered from the suet, or hard fat, found around the kidneys of grass-fed cows. Renowned for its purity and natural richness, suet tallow is a valued ingredient in skincare. It contains vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that help support skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Known for its smooth, lightweight feel, suet tallow absorbs easily into the skin, leaving it soft and moisturized without a greasy finish.

The use of tallow for skincare can be traced back to the resilient Norse civilizations of Scandinavia. Facing harsh winters and unforgiving elements, the Vikings recognized the value of tallow for its rich, nutrient-dense properties. It became an essential part of their daily lives, protecting their skin from the elements and helping to maintain its resilience.

More than a tradition, tallow was revered as a natural way to care for the skin, passed down through generations as a timeless ingredient for protection and nourishment.

Each scented balm at PremiumTallow.ca features 80% pure, grass-fed, triple-rendered suet tallow. This is carefully blended with natural or organic ingredients, including arrowroot, Ghana shea butter, organic jojoba oil, unrefined cocoa, and light essential oils.

Every ingredient is thoughtfully selected to support your skin's natural moisture barrier, creating a luxurious and effective skincare experience. Full ingredient lists are available on each product page, reflecting our commitment to transparency and quality.

Winter Balm, Summer Soft

In cooler temperatures, lather a small amount of suet tallow balm in your palms, when warm our balm is a soft oil. Apply to any area needing care or a buttery, youthful glow—perfect for skin, hair, and lips. A little goes a long way, so gently massage until absorbed, enjoying lasting softness and deep hydration.

Our premium suet tallow products have a shelf life of 12-18 months when stored properly. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. At temperatures above 24°C, the tallow melts into a rich, nourishing oil, while cooler conditions below 21°C cause it to solidify into a firmer form for a quick lather in palms then apply. Refrigeration is not necessary but can extend freshness. Always ensure the lid is securely closed to maintain quality.

Key Terms and Definitions

"source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallow & https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suet

Tallow Basics

• Tallow: Rendered fat primarily from beef or mutton, used in cooking, skincare, and candle-making.
• Suet: Raw, hard fat found around the kidneys and loins of beef or mutton, the primary source for high-quality tallow.
• Rendered Fat: Suet that has been melted down and filtered to remove impurities, resulting in tallow.

Parts and Sources

• Kidney Suet: The purest form of suet, taken specifically from the fat surrounding the kidneys.
• Beef Fat: A general term for all fat from a cow; not all beef fat is suet.
• Grass-Fed Tallow: Tallow rendered from the fat of grass-fed cattle, prized for higher nutrient density.

Rendering and Processing

• Rendering: The process of melting down fat to separate pure tallow from impurities like tissue and water.
• Dry Rendering: Heating suet without added water, typically resulting in a stronger flavor and darker tallow.
• Wet Rendering: Melting suet with added water, which yields a cleaner, more neutral-smelling tallow.
• Low-Heat Rendering: Slow, gentle heating to preserve nutrients and avoid burning the fat.
• Cracklings: Crispy remnants left after rendering, often used as a snack or cooking ingredient.
• Straining: Filtering rendered fat to remove solids and ensure purity.
• Refining: Additional processing to bleach, deodorize, or purify tallow.
• Centrifugation: A method for separating fat and impurities using high-speed spinning, common in large-scale production.

Storage and Forms

• Solid Tallow: The hardened form of rendered fat at room temperature.
• Liquid Tallow: Tallow in its melted state, typically achieved by gentle heating.
• Tallow Balm: A skin product made from tallow blended with oils and other ingredients.
• Shelf-Stable: Tallow's ability to remain usable for extended periods without refrigeration due to its low moisture content.

Nutritional and Chemical Terms

• Omega Fatty Acids: Essential fats in tallow, including omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9.
• Stearic Acid: A key component of tallow known for moisturizing and nourishing skin.
• Saturated Fatty Acids: Support skin barrier function and hydration.

Applications and Uses

• Skincare Suet / Tallow: Tallow processed for use in balms, creams, or soaps.
• Tallow Soap: Soap made using tallow as a primary fat source.

Specialized Tallow Terms

• Unrefined Tallow: Tallow left in its natural state, retaining its original nutrients and scent.
• Deodorized Tallow: Tallow processed to remove its characteristic beefy smell.
• Grass-Fed Tallow: Rendered from grass-fed cattle, known for nutrient density.

Clarifying the Process: Rendering Step-by-Step

1. Prepare Suet: Trim suet to remove meat or connective tissue.
2. Cut into Pieces: Chop suet into small chunks for even melting.
3. Melt: Heat suet gently using dry or wet rendering methods.
4. Strain: Pour melted fat through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
5. Store: Transfer tallow to an airtight container for long-term use.

This glossary serves as a comprehensive reference for enthusiasts, ensuring clarity and understanding in all things related to tallow and suet.