One of the most common questions we get asked is in relation to the diet of our cattle. In case you haven’t heard by now, our cattle are fed a natural diet of grass and 100% antibiotic and hormone free. We believe that this is so important, because the cow’s diet plays a major role in the overall taste and composition of the meat produced at the end. The diet of grass and forage is healthier, which produces a leaner carcass. Due to its leaner carcass, the meat produced from grass-fed cows has fat fibers hidden deep within the muscles, resulting in a fresher tasting, juicy piece of meat.
Many people actually prefer the texture and taste of grass-fed beef over grain-fed. Grass-fed beef is better for not just the person eating it, but it is better for the cow, as it is more natural for cows to eat grass.
The main thing that gives beef its flavor, is the fat present in the meat. Steak Marbling is the most common term used to describe the intramuscular fat throughout a cut of beef. It refers to the white flecks of fat which can be seen in the raw meat. Marbling adds juiciness and helps make sure the meat is nice and tender. Grain-fed sometimes contains more marbling, however, the fat in grain-fed beef can be quite bland and too much marbling can cause the beef to be chewier. Here at TX Bar, our grass-fed beef has a leaner texture and meatier flavour than grain-fed beef.
In terms of nutrition, grass-fed beef is higher in nutrients and vitamins and many people actually choose grass-fed beef due to the health benefits associated with it. (Check out our blogs on the Nutrients in Grass Fed beef and the 5 Health Benefits Of Grass Fed Beef to learn more about the associated health benefits).
In a nutshell, grass fed beef contains fewer calories and higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. (The perfect balance if you ask us!). Omega-3 acids can also reduce the likelihood of heart attack and stroke. Grass-fed beef also contains fewer calories, due to the cow’s more natural and clean diet. It is also rich in Iron and Zinc, two nutrients that are very important in order to maintain good overall health.
If you have any further questions about the diet of our cattle or would like to know more, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us on (530) 949-4241 or send us an email at txbargrassfed@gmail.com.
