What Is Tallow – and Why Was It Used Historically? Tallow is purified fat from cattle and has been used for thousands of years — not just as cooking fat, but also for skincare, wound healing, candle making, leather care, and even preservation. In traditional Nordic farming societies, tallow was an invaluable food and household staple. It was found in everything from soups to hand creams and was often combined with beeswax. Tallow in Today’s World – An Underused Resource Today, tallow is often considered a byproduct of the meat industry. Instead of being used, it’s commonly burned or diverted into technical uses like biofuel. It’s a paradox — at a time when we’re searching for sustainable resources, this nutrient-rich fat, once treasured by our ancestors, is largely overlooked. What