Tallow oil is a rendered form of buffalo or mutton fat, and is primarily made up of triglycerides. It is solid at room temperature. Historically, it was widely used to make soap and candles before more modern oils became available. Tallow oil has a strong, distinct smell and taste, and is used as a cooking oil, especially for frying. Tallow oil is high in saturated fats and is slow to oxidize, so it has a long shelf life. It is often used to deep fry foods because of its high smoke point, which is 420°F (215°C). In addition to being used as a cooking oil, tallow oil can also be used in skin care products, as an ingredient in animal feed, and as an additive to industrial lubricants. It is also used as a fuel in some parts of the world, and as a feedstock for biodiesel production.
