Bayberry Tallow: A Natural and Fragrant Wax for Candlemaking

If you are looking for a natural and eco-friendly alternative to paraffin or soy wax for making candles, you might want to consider bayberry tallow. Bayberry tallow is a green wax that is obtained from the fruits of the bayberry tree (Myrica cerifera), a native plant of North and Central America and the Caribbean. Bayberry tallow has a pleasant, spicy aroma and a high melting point, making it ideal for creating long-lasting and scented candles.
What is Bayberry Tallow?
Bayberry tallow, also known as bayberry wax, is a vegetable wax that is extracted from the waxy coating of the bayberry fruits. The bayberry tree is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows in wetlands, fields, hillsides, and forests. It has leathery, serrated leaves that contain aromatic compounds, and produces small, globular fruits that are covered with a natural wax-like substance.
The wax was traditionally harvested by boiling the fruits in water and skimming off the wax that rose to the surface. The wax was then filtered and molded into cakes or candles. The process was labor-intensive and required a large amount of fruits to produce a small amount of wax. According to some sources, it took about 15 pounds of bayberries to make one pound of wax.
Bayberry tallow has been used for centuries by Native Americans and early settlers for making candles, soap, cosmetics, and medicinal products. Bayberry candles were especially popular during the colonial times, as they were considered a luxury item and a symbol of prosperity. They were often burned on special occasions, such as Christmas or New Year’s Eve, to bring good luck and fortune.
What are the Benefits of Bayberry Tallow?

Bayberry tallow has many advantages over other types of waxes for candlemaking. Some of the benefits are:
- It is natural and renewable, unlike paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum.
- It is biodegradable and compostable, unlike paraffin wax, which can release harmful chemicals into the air and water when burned or disposed of.
- It has a high melting point (around 120°F), which means it burns slower and longer than other waxes.
- It has a low smoke point, which means it produces less soot and smoke than other waxes.
- It has a unique and pleasant fragrance, which can vary depending on the source of the bayberries. Some describe it as spicy, earthy, balsamic, or pine-like.
- It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help heal wounds and skin infections.
How to Make Bayberry Tallow Candles?

If you want to make your own bayberry tallow candles, you will need the following materials:
- Bayberry tallow (you can buy it online or make it yourself by following this tutorial)
- Candle wicks
- Candle molds or containers
- A double boiler or a pot with a heat-proof bowl
- A thermometer
- A stirring spoon
- Optional: essential oils or fragrance oils for adding scent
The steps are:
- Melt the bayberry tallow in a double boiler or a pot with a heat-proof bowl over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally and monitor the temperature with a thermometer. The ideal temperature for pouring bayberry tallow is around 180°F.
- Prepare your candle molds or containers by placing a wick in the center and securing it with a wick holder or a glue dot. You can also use pre-waxed wicks with metal tabs for easier placement.
- If you want to add scent to your candles, you can mix in some essential oils or fragrance oils at this point. Be careful not to add too much, as bayberry tallow already has a strong natural aroma. A general rule of thumb is to use 1 ounce of scent per pound of wax.
- Pour the melted bayberry t