Saturday, March 23, 2024
HomeFactsWhat Is Grass Fed Steak

What Is Grass Fed Steak

- Advertisment -

What Is Grass Fed

GRASS-FED vs GRAIN-FED steak experiment which is best?

We have all heard of the virtues of Alberta beef, but why demand the grass fed and grass finished beef?

We grass feed and finish our animals as a commitment to your health and eating experience, as well as sustainability of our ecosystems.

  • Our cattle are grazing on pasture from birth to the time they are butchered, creating full-flavour, local meat that reflects the diverse and rich grasslands of Alberta.
  • Grass-fed and grass-finished beef contributes to a diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and a healthy ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Our grazing practices are designed to build on the soils, and contribute to the ecology and ecosystems. Using rotational and intensive grazing techniques we look to mimic the bison that so deeply defined the soils and ecology of our area.

How To Cook A Tender Juicy Grass

Written by Dennis Keohane / on April 20, 2018 /

For most aspiring chefs and backyard grill masters, there is sometimes a brief moment of trepidation before cooking a steak. The coals of the grill are red-hot, and you unwrap a beautiful prime rib or filet mignon that youve let sit at room temperature, then, you pause and think: How do I not screw this up.

Buying the perfect steak and actually executing the process of cooking the perfect steak are two entirely different things.

Weve shared some of our favorite recipes and methods of cooking beef, but we havent discussed doneness very often. Here are some guidelines to help you cook a tender, juicy steak every time so you wont have to have that moment of pre-cooking worry ever again.

From our perspective, the perfect level of doneness for a steak is medium-rare. For most cuts of beef, cooking to this level makes for tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth. When it comes to grass-fed beef, medium-rare is ideal as well because grass-fed meat becomes tougher and dryer cooked to a higher internal temperature.

How To Cook Perfectly Tender Grass

Learn how to cook tender grass-fed steak by following these step by step directions!

Grass-Fed Steak is all the rage these days. And for good reason! Heres just a few reasons why I choose grass-fed beef:

Grass-Fed Beef is Better Than Grain-Fed

Grass-Fed Beef is More Nutritious

Grass Fed Beef contains a far better nutrient profile than grain-fed beef. Pasture raised meat contains significantly higher Omega-3s, Vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C and contains higher levels of CLA and minerals.

Grass-Fed Beef is More Humane

Pasture raised cows receive plenty of fresh grass, clean air, sunshine and exercise and live like cows were meant to live. These are all critical elements denied of over 90% of our countrys farm animals today.

Grass Fed Beef is More Environmentally Friendly

Farms that raise pasture raised animals build quality soil, not deplete it. The cow manure from grass-fed cows becomes a natural fertilizer, not a major waste management problem like in factory feedlots.

Grass-Fed Beef is GMO & Antibiotic Free

The Secrets to Create Tender Grass-Fed Steak

And I totally hear you! I had the same problem until I learned the secrets of making perfectly tender grass-fed steak. Now Ill gladly share my secrets with you I have to thank Cooks Country, which is where I found this technique. Thanks to them, I have been cooking tender grass-fed steak ever since.

Follow this technique to a T and you will have mouthwatering, perfectly tender grass-fed steak!

You May Like: Where To Buy Meat For Steak Tartare

Fact: Grass Fed Beef May Not Necessarily Be Healthier

Is grass fed beef healthier than regular beef? Its often cited for being richer in healthy fats. Its true that cattle raised only on grass do produce meat thats higher in CLA , a fat thats been studied for possible heart health benefits. Yet CLA is largely found in fat that many people trim off. CLA is also found in the fat thats marbled throughout the beef, but grass-fed beef tends to be leaner, with less marbling overall than conventional beef.

Things To Know: The Difference Between Grass

Grass

With the removal of the USDA term, almost any beef product could be labeled grass-fed. Most cattle raised by responsible farms graze in open pastures throughout the warmer months. However, its pretty difficult to allow animals to roam freely in the winter, when snow covers the ground.

During these colder months, the cattle eat corn-and-soy based feed. But, since they ate grass for part of of the year, they could be labeled grass-fed. In these cases, there is not much of a difference between grain-fed beef raised by a responsible farmer, and grass-fed beef.

If you are looking for beef that comes from a cow raised entirely on grass, look for the grass-finished label. These animals graze on grass in the summer and alfalfa in the winter. However, know that this term is also not regulated by the USDA.

Recommended Reading: Hamilton Beach Indoor Grill Steak

What Is Grass Fed Beef

Red meat often gets a bad rap. In my expert opinion, critics are too hard on beef. First of all, steak is delicious. So are burgers, and eating burgers makes you more American thats just science.

Red meat does have trans fats, but naturally-occurring trans fats are not as dangerous as synthetic trans fats , nor are they present in very large quantities overall. Red meat also has saturated fats, but the argument against saturated fats is very weak under a critical lens .

But theres so much data correlating red meat with disease what gives! The culprit may actually not be related to fat at all, but that is a different topic for a different day. Nonetheless, the fatty acid profile of beef can be pretty drastically improved when the cow is eating healthy. Were talking about cows that eat grass, so we dont have to at least, not exclusively!

Grass-Fed Steak is arguably more delicious than regular steak a different type of delicious but delicious all the same. It also has considerable upside, and it is definitely a better choice than corn-fed, normal, beef. Grass-fed beef has more omega-3 ALA and CLA, while typically having less total fat, potentially reducing calorie intake.

Is Wagyu Beef Grass

Wagyu is a Japanese beef cattle breed and is renowned for its taste, tenderness, and marbling.

However, people who have never tried wagyu or are simply curious might be wondering: is wagyu beef grass-fed?

In this article, I cover some key information about wagyu beef, from whether American wagyu beef is grass-fed to whether grass-fed beef has marbling.

Lets get started.

Read Also: Steak And Shake Grilled Cheese

Why Grass Run Farms 100% Grass Fed Beef

Our 100% grass fed and finished beef comes from cattle that never eat anything but grass their entire livesin fact, they feed on 100% grasses and forages right here in Americas Heartland.

Here are the details:

  • Never given antibiotics or hormones
  • Raised according to BQA animal care and wellbeing practices

Roasts From The Round

Aged Grassfed Steaks- Process, Prep and Best Way To Cook

The round contains many types of roasts originating from various places in the primal, but with most of the same properties and cooking techniques. Heres some you might recognize:

  • Bottom Round Roast
  • Eye of Round Roast
  • Heel of Round Roast
  • Sirloin Roast

In general, these are best when roasted slowly. Similarly to the arm roast, these may not ever get tender enough to shred. Instead, cook these to an internal temperature of 135°F-140°F . Thinly slice and serve hot or cold as roast beef.

Recommended Cooking Methods:

Roasting Braising/Stewing Slow Cooking

Recipe Ideas

– Generously season with black pepper, salt, granulated onion, and dried herbs. Roast on a roasting rack in a 325°F oven, until internal temperature reaches 125°F . Let sit for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving with horseradish sauce.

Also Check: Best Way To Prepare Wagyu Steak

Fact: 100% Grass Fed Beef Is Hard For Many Farmers To Produce

Here in Ohio, farmers need 1-2 acres for every cow/calf pair they have. That acreage requirement goes up in other placesin some very dry areas of the Southwest, that may be 25 acres. While cattle that are also grain-fed go to market after just 13-15 months of life, cattle that are entirely grass fed take 20-24 months to be ready and result in lighter-weight cattle and less meat per animal. That requires an enormous amount of land and time, something thats not feasible for many farmers. And in climates that have harsh winters , its impossible for cows to graze outdoors all year long.

Usda Certified Organic Vs Grass Finished Vs Grass Fed Beef: Whats The Difference

These days, perusing product labels can feel a lot like reading a novel. Being an informed shopper requires a lot of time and research, especially when it comes to the meat case. Certified Organic, grass finished, grass fed: what do these terms really mean? And more importantly, how they impact how you purchase beef for your family.

Don’t Miss: Dubost Laguiole Ivory Steak Knives

Should You Cook Grass

Being leaner with less marbling means grass-fed beef will require a little more care on the grill. Steaks like rib eye, Porterhouse, T-bone, and NY strip are among the most tender cuts of beef and so are well-suited to the grill.

The secret is to sear at high heat only very briefly, then, using a 2-zone set-up on your grill, switch the meat to indirect heat to finish cooking. This will prevent the more muscular structure of the meat from tightening up and becoming tough. I always recommend using a thermometer, especially when grilling over indirect heat, so you can be sure the meat reaches safe internal temperatures.

Another option you have is slow-cooking larger cuts over low heat. Slow-cooking over indirect heat on the grill helps break down connective tissue and turns tough collagen into melt-in-the-mouth goodness.

With a significantly higher fat content and the delicate white marbling so prized by steak lovers everywhere, grain-fed beef is a surefire winner. Easy to grill, you can pretty much count on a juicier steak every time.

Usda Recommendations For Other Cuts And Types Of Meat

Grass Fed Bone

The reason that meat temperature guidelines exist is to make sure that any bacteria that may be on the surface of a steak or roast are eliminated. An external temperature of 160 degrees will do the job. Any harmful bacteria, like E. coli, is only found on the surface of meat, so a 145-degree internal temperature for medium is safe. Whether grilling or roasting, the external temperature threshold is easily achieved to get the recommended internal temperature.

USDA has a different guideline for ground beef, which they suggest cooking to an internal temperature of 160 degrees for medium doneness. Ground beef has more surface area that can be contaminated as opposed to a larger, single cut.

The 145 degrees internal temperature for steaks and roasts is the same internal temperature the USDA suggests for pork, veal, lamb chops, and roasts. For ham, the suggestion is 145 degrees as well with the same three-minute resting period.

For chicken, turkey, and other poultry chicken or turkey breasts, a whole bird, legs, thighs, wings, ground poultry, and stuffing the USDA recommendation is that the meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. The best place to check the temperature of a whole bird is the thickest part of its thigh, but you need to make sure that you are not touching any bone. The bone can be either much hotter or much cooler than the surrounding meat based on how long it has been cooking, which will give an inaccurate temperature.

You May Like: How To Grill Steak Tips

Get Results In 30 Days

Join 90k+ people who are losing weight with Keto Kickstart, our doctor-developed program designed to give you real weight loss results.

Youre in! Check your email to get started with the program.

Still, some skeptics argue that there isnt a difference between grass-fed and conventional beef.

Below, youll learn the difference between grass-fed and grain-fed beef, seven unique health benefits of grass-fed beef, and where to buy it.

Grass Fed Vs Grain Fed Difference #: Texture

Grass fed beef may also have a gamier texture than grain fed beef.

Because of its lower levels of fat marbling, grass fed steaks may have a rougher, more chewy texture than grain fed steak. They may also be more susceptible to overcooking which can make it too dry or chewy.

Grass fed beef even looks different. Its fat tends to have a light yellow hue from all the beta carotene the cattle are ingesting through grass. The meat itself is often darker and juicier compared with the light-pinkish color of conventional grain fed beef.

Grass fed vs grain fed texture:

The textures of grass fed and grain fed beef may be different, but that doesnt mean one is necessarily better than the other.

You May Like: Bluefin Tuna Steaks For Sale

Is There A Difference Between The Taste Of Grass Fed Beef And Grain Fed Beef Learn About The Grass Fed Beef Taste In This Guide

The meat industry is the largest segment of U.S. agriculture. And meat-eaters love nothing more than a juicy steak! But do you think about what goes into your meat? Specifically, what the cows eat while theyre still alive?

Many cows are fed a grain diet. However, cows are meant to eat grass.

Eating grain, specifically, corn and soy, is unnatural for cows. Grain-fed cows can further disturb humans this study shows that cows are more susceptible to disease and bacteria when they eat a high-grain diet.

While a grass-fed diet is healthier and natural for cows, does grass-fed beef taste better?

Is Grass Fed Beef Worth It The Bottom Line

How To Cook Grass Fed Steak in a Cast Iron Skillet

Lets recap the basics: Though grass-fed beef has a generally healthier nutrient profile, conventionally raised, grain fed beef is still a great source of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial fatty acids.

Grass-fed beef, on the other hand, can be prohibitively expensive in some areas. If the mere thought of affording it is stressful, you might be wise to stick with conventional beef. Differences in taste and texture mean you might prefer grain fed beef anyways.

Ultimately, the choice to go grass fed or grain fed depends on a combination of your preferences, ideals, location, and means.

Choose whatever option is best for your holistic health or just try both and see which you like better.

Don’t Miss: Where To Order Steaks Online

Different Kinds Of Fat

Grass-fed and grass-finished beef is understood to contain less monounsaturated fat but about the same amount of polyunsaturated fat as grain-fed cattle. Grass-fed beef is leaner in fat content compared to grain fed because of the lack of monounsaturated fat. This is the type of fat that may reduce bad cholesterol. Polyunsaturated fats are also good for you.

Grass-fed beef contains about three times as much Omega-3 fatty acids as grain-fed beef. While this sounds impressive studies have shown that the actual amount of omega-3 fatty acids available through eating beef is small. You would need to eat an unhealthy amount of beef to eat a healthy amount of fatty acids.

Grass Fed Vs Grain Fed Beef Whats The Difference Which Is Better

Grass-fed and grain-fed beef are very different, and not just the animal’s diet. They taste different, have different nutritional values, different price tags, and impact the environment differently due to the way the animals are raised. This article takes a deep dive into the differences between the two.

Before we get into the nitty gritty of grass fed vs grain fed beef, lets just start with something easy as pie that we can all agree on: beef is awesome.

No matter what its origins, all beef tastes great, is versatile on the grill or in the kitchen, and is proven to be a good source of many essential nutrients, protein, and healthful fatty acids.

OK, that was simple!

Now lets take a close look at the often confusing and ambiguous differences in the ways beef is produced: grass-fed, grass-finished, grain-fed, grain-finished, pasture-raised, free-range, organic, naturally-raised.

You can lose a good thirty minutes sifting through all the options and still not be entirely sure youve made the right choice.

Many assume that natural and more expensive must be better, but its not as simple as that. And whats better anyway? Better taste, better for you, better for the animal, or better for the planet? Thats a heck of a lot of thinking when youre just trying to get through your shopping list.

Contents

  • 10 Whats Your Beef?
  • Also Check: Steak And Shake Doordash Promo Code

    What Is In The Grain

    The grain fed to cows in feedlots is typically an energy-dense mix of corn, soy, sometimes oats, barley, and other grains. It also contains antibiotics to prevent the animals from getting sick from this diet, which is unnatural.

    Growth hormones are often also added to speed up their weight gain so that farmers can get them to market sooner, which is more cost-effective for the farmer.

    Concerns With Marketing Claims

    Grass Fed Beef Delivered: Grass

    A& Ws announcement raises concerns among some industry stakeholders, especially in the feedlot sector. The Alberta Cattle Feeders Association expressed its concerns with both the reasoning for the choice and how A& W will promote it to consumers in a March 10 press release, noting that both grass-fed and grain-fed production methods are used in Canada to raise beef in a sustainable, environmentally responsible manner.

    We were concerned that they focused in on a type of production, and I think that we would have rather seen them support, for example, the great work thats being done by the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, she says.

    With the Canadian beef industry working together as a whole to be more sustainable, she continues, this marketing decision could have been an opportunity to collaborate on a wider scale and share the industrys stories. Its worth noting that A& W is a member of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef.

    Part of ACFAs concern relates to marketing claims about grass-finished beef fueling misconceptions about the feeder sector.

    This is not the first time that A& W has come under scrutiny for its marketing claims. Its previous marketing tactics raised the ire of some in the Canadian beef industry, with a few particularly vocal critics leading the conversation. As a producer engaged in this program, Macdonald is eager to see this discussion evolve beyond pointed criticism of the restaurant by a small group of individuals.

    You May Like: Who Has Philly Cheese Steak Pizza

    RELATED ARTICLES
    - Advertisment -

    Most Popular

    - Advertisment -