Farm Wife tallow | Cooking Tallow FAQ

Big flavor. Real fat. All the answers.

What exactly is tallow?

Tallow is rendered beef fat that's been carefully purified and refined into a shelf-stable cooking fat.

Why should I use tallow instead of other cooking oils?

Tallow has a high smoke point, which makes it perfect for fying, roasting, and baking without breaking down into harmful compounds. Plus, it's packed with nutrients like vitamins A,D,E, and K, so it's not just tasty- it's good for you too. An let's be real, it adds incredible flavor you won't get from those overly processed oils.

Does tallow have a strong beefy taste?

Not at all! While tallow comes from beef fat, the rendering process mellows out the flavor. It has a clean, neutral taste that enhances your cooking without overpowering your food.

Where should I store my cooking tallow?

Tallow is shelf-stable, so you can store it in a cool, dry place, just like your other cooking oils. Once opened, we like to keep ours in the pantry or even in the fridge it it's a hot summer day - though honestly, it doesn't last long enough to worry about storage in our homes!

Is tallow healthy?

Absolutley!

Tallow is a natural fat that our ancestors used for centuries. It's rich in healthy fats, helps your body absorb essential vitamins, and provides a clean source of energy.

Plus, it doesn't contain the processed additives you find in many store-bought oils.

What can I cook with tallow?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! We use it for frying, roasting vegetables, making pie crusts, or even popping popcorn. It's also amazing for searing meats - it locks in the flavor and gives you that golden, crispy finish.

Is tallow better than butter?

We'd say they both have their place, but tallow shines when it comes to high-heat cooking. It won't burn as quickly as butter does and it gives your food a beautifully crisp texture. That said, we still love a good butter-tallow combo for baking!

Why Farm Wife Tallow vs. Store Bought Tallow?

Our tallow is crafted with care by farm families who truly understand the value of clean, nutrient-rich food. It's not mass-produced; it's made with heart, using traditional methods that preserve its purity and flavor. You'll taste the difference in every single bite.

hey hey good lookin' whatcha got cookin'

How do I cook with tallow?

Frying

  • Heat a small amount of tallow in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Once melted, use it to fry eggs, vegetables, or meat for a rich, flavorful result.
  • Ideal for deep-frying due to its high smoke point (around 400°F/205°C).

Roasting

  • Melt tallow and drizzle it over vegetables, potatoes, or meat before roasting in the oven.
  • Toss to coat evenly for a crispy, golden finish and enhanced flavor.

Baking

  • Replace butter or shortening with beef tallow in recipes for biscuits, pie crusts, or savory pastries.
  • Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting for similar texture and a subtle, savory taste.

Sautéing

  • Add a tablespoon of tallow to a hot pan to sauté greens, onions, or other vegetables.
  • The tallow’s rich flavor enhances the dish without overpowering it.

Base for Soups & Stews

  • Use tallow to sauté aromatics like garlic, onions, or celery before adding broth and other ingredients.
  • It adds depth and a creamy texture to your soups or stews.

How to season your cast iron or griddle with beef tallow

Can I use tallow on my cast iron?

Step 1: Clean Your Cast Iron Griddle

Wash the surface with warm water and a small amount of mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely to prevent rust.

Step 2: Preheat Oven or Griddle

For cast iron, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

If seasoning a griddle, heat it on medium for a few minutes until warm.

Step 3: Apply Beef Tallow

 Scoop a small amount of tallow and rub it onto the surface using a clean cloth or paper towel.

Ensure the entire surface is evenly coated with a thin layer, including the sides and handle. Wipe off excess fat to avoid a sticky finish.

Step 4: Heat to Season

For cast iron, place the cookware upside down on the oven rack with a baking sheet underneath to catch drips.

For a griddle, heat it over medium-high heat until the tallow begins to smoke slightly.

Step 5: Bake or Heat Set

In the oven, bake for 1 hour, then turn off the heat and let the cookware cool completely in the oven.

For a griddle, allow it to heat for 20–30 minutes, then let it cool.

Step 6: Repeat if Necessary

For a stronger non-stick surface, repeat the process 2–3 times.

Tips for Maintenance

  • Avoid soap when cleaning seasoned cookware—use hot water and a scrub brush instead.
  • After cleaning, reapply a small amount of tallow to keep the surface conditioned.
  • Beef tallow creates a durable, non-stick layer that enhances your cookware and improves with regular use!

Pure & Clean

In a world of overprocessed oils and synthetic ingredients, tallow offers a return to our roots. It’s free of additives, rich in healthy fats, and packed with vitamins like A, D, E, and K. We believe the best things are simple, and tallow embodies that simplicity.

Sustainable & Waste Free

As farm families and ranchers, we’ve always understood the importance of using every part of what the land provides. Tallow reflects our commitment to sustainability—turning what might be considered waste into a valuable, nutrient-dense product.

Versatile & Essential

Whether you’re searing steaks, frying veggies, baking biscuits, or moisturizing your skin, tallow is a multi-purpose powerhouse. Its high smoke point makes it perfect for cooking, while its nourishing properties make it a secret weapon for natural skincare.