bear grease

[GJP]

Does anyone know how long it takes for the oil to separate from the solid when you render bear fat? I made my first batch before Christmas and set some in a jar on the window to separate. I'd like to try to use it to oil my gun as well as for patches. Thanks

 

[rabjr]

You should see signs of it trying to separate. Depending on how much your doing it can take a couple of months to fully separate.

 

[rice1817]

I have done my up in several batches. When I made some in a double boiler, I started getting separation right away. I lost patience as this was taking a lot of time, so I decided to speed up the process. When I put the pan right on the burner, the fat melted quicker, but it seemed to homogenize the final product, and it does not show much sign of separation after several weeks. I think that I may have cooked the oil out of it, and all I have left is the grease. Seems to me that the best way is to go with the double boiler and keep dipping out the oil as it forms.

BTW, make sure you strain any bits of meat out of it. I had to pitch a pint that stunk to high heaven, and I saw little bits of solid matter settled to the bottom of the jar. I think that is what spoiled and contaminated the whole jar.

 

[rabjr]

Yes to much heat and you end up with a hard crisco, no oil.

Absolutely trim all fat of meat and blood before rendering! Render only fat.

 

[Wehrmacht]

I have to keep my bear oil in the refrigirator because it will go rancid if I don't, regardless of how careful I am about not having any meat slivers in it when I render it. Our climate down here is a lot hotter than what you have in the northern states, however. As far as seperating out, when I render it I get oil immediately. Maybe I don't understand the question :hmm:.

 

[GJP]

We cooked it in a pot on the stove over the lowest heat. It took all day to get about 4 cups worth. When it melted, it looked like oil, but when it cooled down, it turned into a soft solid. I had been keeping it in the fridge, but took some and let it sit out. I was told that if it sits at room temp. long enough, it will separate into oil and a more solid grease. That's what I'm trying to get. This is my first try, I guess I'll have to wait a little longer. Thanks

 

[rabjr]

Check my page out Jerry, you'll see what the jars look like when separating. :thumbsup:
[url] http://www.nimrodsplace.com/lewisandclark25[/url]

 

[rabbit03]

Greetings Swamp Rat,

Just stopped by to say your rendering operation looks to be first class, very impressive! Are you setting your jars of fat/oil out at room temperature for seperation to occur?

Thanks for sharing

rabbit03 :thumbsup:

 

[rabjr]

rabbit03,

Yes sir I put them on a shelf not far from the gas stove that heats this room actually. Room temp is about 70ish.

 

[Kuckus]

Jerry,
I had the same problem with some grease I rendered last week... A careful inspection of the jar revealed that it had "sealed" using the hot grease while the mason jar lid was put on :hmm: . I broke the seal on the mason jar, lightly retightened, and 30 minutes later I had 1/8" of oil on the grease :thumbsup: ! The concoction smells like REALLY strong bacon grease. Good luck :grin: !

 

[rabbit03]

Thank you again for the post, pics and the information on the oil,

Have a great new years eve and an even better 2007.

rabbit03

 

[GJP]

This may be a dumb question but, the oil separates out of the solid and rises to the top right? Or am I wrong? I took one of the jars out of the fridge to let it warm up. I set it by the stove - maybe too hot? Anyway it all melted and now for the lsat week or so it seems like the solid is forming and sinking to the bottom. Did I do something wrong. Should I have it at a different temp? - Thanks

 

[rabjr]

Yes your right, the oil will seperate and rise to the top.