Elizabeth Barrette (ysabetwordsmith) wrote,
Elizabeth Barrette
ysabetwordsmith
  • Mood: busy

Grass-fed vs. Grain-fed Beef

Here is a detailed and thoughtful article which touches on the politics of food but primarily analyzes the kitchen potential of grass-fed beef.

Personally, I prefer grass-fed, free-range livestock products when I can get them.  I'm okay with supplementing  pasture with grains, as many farmers do.  I just don't think feedlots and other mass-confinement practices are good for animals or humans eating them.  I particularly like shopping at a nearby Amish meat market; we often buy a package or two of meat per year there.  (It is MUCH cheaper in bundles.)  Those animals have a fairly natural life, and I can see cows, horses, pigs, chickens, etc. outdoors on the way to the shop.  Our food co-op is also a good source, as is the farmer's market in warm weather, and one of the international food stores carries farmed lamb.  My preferences are based on a mix of philosophical, practical, and culinary points.

The article does raise a point that grass-fed beef is easier to wreck.  If you're going to swap beef into venison recipes, buy grass-fed.  If you're going to try grass-fed for the first time, read instructions on how to cook venison (also very lean) nicely.  The grass diet makes for a leaner cow with less marbling, which is awesome if you want a low-fat diet, but you have to cook it gently or it will turn to leather.  I recommend a crock pot for many cuts.  Another good safety catch is to use a sauce with enzymes or acids, to help keep the meat moist and tender.
Tags: food, news
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  • 4 comments
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ysabetwordsmith

Yes...

ysabetwordsmith

March 29 2011, 23:33:40 UTC 10 years ago

That can be said of many meats. Also, chickens and pigs will eat garbage, although it's best to use that as a part of their diet than the whole things. Goats are browsers rather than grazers, preferring to eat buds and bark, etc. rather than grass.

Humans evolved as omnivores. A diet resonant with this will include a majority of plants (fruits, vegetables, grains, etc.) and small amounts of meat, eggs, dairy, etc. Plus insects, if you consider those edible, as some people do. Chimpanzees, our closest relatives, are very fond of termites.
the_vulture

Re: Yes...

the_vulture

March 30 2011, 03:32:28 UTC 10 years ago

Escargoe in garlic butter? Mmmm MMM good! :)