Your Grass Fed Beef Guide
Grass fed beef and grass finished beef comes from cattle that has been either exclusively or predominantly raised on a diet of grass and other foraged food. These happy cows and bulls never have to endure a feedlot. The benefits of grass fed beef and grass finished beef over feedlot beef are many, and today we’re going to be talking about some of the key factors that make grass-fed beef so popular.
Your Ultimate Grass Fed Beef Resource
Grass fed beef is beef that comes from cows that have been raised on a diet of grass and other foraged food, as opposed to the grain-based feed that most cows are given. The benefits of grass fed beef over regular beef are many, and today we’re going to be talking about some of the key factors that make grass-fed beef so popular.
One of the biggest benefits of grass-fed beef is that it is much leaner than regular beef. This means that it has a lower fat content and fewer calories, making it a healthier option for those looking to enjoy red meat without worrying about excess weight gain or other health concerns.
How to Identify Grass Fed Beef in Stores
The easiest way to identify grass fed beef is to look for the American Grassfed Association (AGA) logo on the packaging. If you don’t see the logo, you can also look for other clues like “pasture raised” on the package, now grass-fed can be on the package, but it may have been grain-finished so the safest bet is to look for the AGA logo and ‘pasture raised’ on the packaging.
If you’re not sure whether a particular product is grass fed beef, you can always contact the manufacturer or retailer to ask.
How to visually identify grass fed beef
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the appearance of grass fed beef may vary depending on the producer. However, many grass fed beef products are typically darker in color than grain-fed beef, and they may have a firmer texture. Before, many cow breeds were very lean when raised purely on a diet of grass, but recent crossbreeds of Wagyu have made grass-fed beef with enough marbling that rivals their corn and grain-fed counterparts! So be on a lookout for those labels or purchase your grass-fed beef from a reputable local rancher or butcher.
What does grass fed beef taste like?
Grass fed beef does taste different from grain fed and finished beef. It may taste a little bit stronger and a little bit more gamey than standard beef but that’s all there is to it. Grass fed beef DOES NOT TASE LIKE FISH. Some pundits on the internet will say that this is normal because of the high levels of OMEGA-3 in the meats and this is wrong. It really shouldn’t have to be said, but beef should never taste taste like fish.
One of the reasons why some samples may taste like this is because it’s BAD grass fed beef and there’s an obvious lack of fat in the meat that leads it to have that nasty taste. As Gordon Ramsey is fond of saying, fat is flavor.
Getting a large animal sufficient energy on grass alone is really difficult, because the animal has to meet her own energy needs for basic life processes before she can contribute any extra for you (in the form of fat) or her calf (meat/milk), and larger animals have higher energy needs and it requires mastery of the land to raise truly good tasting and fatty grass fed beef.
What Is Grass-Fed Beef? How It’s Different
In Texas, farmers and ranchers use various methods to raise their cows, including the popular practice of producing grass-fed beef. But what is grass-fed beef, exactly? Let us help you understand this special term.
Grass-fed beef is raised through grazing practices that imitate the natural conditions for cattle. In 2007, the USDA established standards for beef to be labeled as grass-fed meat. These standards require that cattle be fed through foraging or pasturing in open fields during growing seasons, with the exception of milk feeding before weaning. Additionally, cattle should not be fed any grain or grain-based byproducts. Raising grass-fed beef in this manner is common throughout the Lone Star State.
Don’t get confused with grass fed beef Terminology
Navigating the labeling of pastured meat can be tricky because there are no consistent definitions for terms like "pastured" or "grass-fed." This can make it challenging for consumers to make informed decisions about the meat they buy. But don't worry, we're here to help simplify things so that you can feel confident about your purchases.
What Does Pasture Raised Means In Meats
In Texas, you can easily find high-quality pasture-raised meats at your local farmers' market. Choosing pasture-raised meat is not only better for you and your family but also for the animals and the community. But what does "pasture-raised" mean, and what are its benefits?
First, let's define "pasture-raised." While there was no legal definition for this term or "free-range" for many years, third-party oversight has been put in place to ensure brands are staying true to their claims. However, a singular legal definition is still not in place. This means that brands could include these terms on their packaging without meeting specific requirements or being held accountable.
Grass Fed Meat is Good for You
Not only is grass fed meat tastier in its own right, but it is actually better for you versus regular factory raised meats. It’s healthier with higher levels of Omega-3 and higher in healthier fat, you can rest assured that red meat, at least this type, is not bad for you!
The Benefits of Grass-Fed Beef
When it comes to grass-fed beef, there are a lot of misconceptions that can make it confusing to know what's best. It's easy to assume that grass-fed is always superior, but that's not necessarily the case. Don't worry though, we're here to help! In this friendly discussion, we'll clear up the most common misconceptions about grass-fed beef and help you make informed decisions about what to buy.
Don’t believe everything you hear about grass fed beef
Aside from raw milk, grass fed beef has got to be on top of our list when it comes to myths and misconceptions. We’ve spoken with a lot of consumers and ranchers and we clear up many (if not all) of the misconceptions surrounding grass fed beef and pastured meats.
Grass-Fed Beef Facts: Breaking Misconceptions
Grass-fed beef has become a hot topic among American consumers, especially in Texas. With the debate between grass and grain, many people are confused about the facts surrounding grass-raised American beef. In this article, we will debunk common myths about grass-fed beef.
Myth #1: Grass-fed Meat is Tough
One of the most common misconceptions about grass-fed beef is that it's tough to chew. While grass-fed meat may have less fat marbling than conventionally raised cattle, this does not affect its tenderness. Properly prepared grass-fed steak can be even more flavorful than corn-fed beef from the grocery store and still have that sought-after melt-in-your-mouth texture.
By understanding the truth about grass-fed beef, consumers can make informed decisions about their food choices. So, the next time you're at the grocery store, don't be afraid to choose grass-fed beef and enjoy its unique flavor and texture.
Grass-fed beef and Sustainability
As concerns about the environmental impact of meat production grow, many consumers are turning to pastured meats as a more sustainable alternative. Pasture-raised animals are often seen as more environmentally friendly than conventionally raised animals due to their lower carbon footprint and other benefits.
Can Grass-Fed Beef Feed the Planet?
The sustainability of our food system is a pressing issue in today's world, and the question of whether grass-fed beef can feed the planet is an important one. Supporters of grass-fed beef argue that it is a more sustainable and ethical choice than conventionally raised beef. They point to the lower carbon footprint of grass-fed beef, as well as the fact that it can promote the more humane treatment of animals and support local farmers.
However, critics argue that grass-fed beef is not scalable and cannot meet the global demand for meat. In this article, we will explore both sides of this debate and examine the evidence to determine whether grass-fed beef can be a viable solution for feeding the planet in a sustainable way.
Grass-Fed Beef: Better For The Planet And You
Let’s examine the differences between grass-fed and grain-fed beef and their respective impacts on the environment. We will explore the arguments for and against grass-fed beef as a sustainable choice, and weigh the evidence to determine which type of beef is better for the planet. (P.S. The title says it all)
How to Cook Grass fed beef
Well, whether it’s a skirt steak, organ meats, or a filet mignon, the way to cook it is to treat it exactly like you would leaner cuts of meat. So be aware of fat content and add more fat to your cooking if needed, butter works wonders. Also, one thing to note is to use a little less seasoning (which is good for your overall health) because the taste of grass-fed beef is much stronger than regular meat.
View Grass-fed Beef Recipes Here
TexasRealFood is here to help you switch to better beef
The best place to buy true grass fed beef or grass-finished beef is from the ranches themselves! We have a list of some of the best ranches you can pick grass-fed beef up from but if you’re not in the area, you can always order online and have you grass fed beef delivered!
Not in Texas but looking for grass fed beef steaks and meat? We have a comprehensive listing of Texas Ranches that deliver grass-fed beef nationwide!
