Grass Fed Beef

• Thursday, September 1st, 2011
• by amy

One whole grass-fed Hereford cow is going to be making its way to our freezer next month ... now, she won't be walking, rather she'll be humanely slaughtered, packaged, and frozen.  Our garage has two full-sized freezers as well as a full refrigerator/freezer, thankfully.  We've been buying pastured meat for years now, and while the initial cash outlay is substantial, it is totally worth it, both in taste and benefits.

Grass fed beef just tastes better.  There are definitely different flavors associated with different breeds (Terentaize v. Hereford, for example), but regardless of breed, the flavor is much more present in pastured animals than feed lot animals, and this goes for all animals.  Some of you have been purchasing the eggs we've been providing, and can attest to the stupendous flavor.  While I'm no Ag scientist, I think it's because of the variety of their diet.  These animals graze on what's in the pasture, which is a lot of things.  They don't consume only corn.

Pastured animals are also better for you.  Meat from these animals have a much higher ratio of Omega-3 fatty acids than their feed lot counterparts do, and that's a big deal.  Omega-3 fatty acids are a systemic anti-inflammatory, and with our modern lifestyles and diets, we could all benefit from as little inflammation as possible.

Our source for  grass-fed beef is also the supplier of our eggs.  Griffin Farms as an excellent local farm, with proprietors who really care about their animals.  If you're interested in getting some local beef this fall, get in touch with griffinfarms@swva.net.  They're super knowledgeable, friendly, and love their animals.  And we do too!!

As an aside, you'll notice a table full of merchandise in the lounge.  We're having a blow-out sale on the items on the table.  Simply jot down your name, the date you've taken something, and the item you're purchasing.  We'll charge your account for the cost of the merchandise.  We've just placed another order for the Live Love Lift shirts, and a couple others as well.  Keep your eyes open!!

Moo right onto the table!