Rendering

Rendering is the large-scale process applied to the production of animal fats such as tallow, lard, bone fat, and fish oils. It consists of cutting or chopping the fatty tissue into pieces and then heating it so the fat melts and separates from protein, moisture, and connective tissue. The liquid fat is then clarified and sometimes refined. Rendered fats are used in cooking and baking, in soap and candle manufacture, and in animal feeds. Quality depends on fresh raw material and controlled temperatures, since overheating produces dark colour and off-flavours from oxidation and protein breakdown.