BENEFITS OF 100% GRASS FED BEEF
It is common in conventional cattle operations to cut corners in order to save time and money in the growing process. The diets of the cattle are typically designed to make the cows gain weight quickly. This method of raising cattle degrades the health of the animals as well as the nutrition and sanitary quality of the meat.
The concentrated waste from feedlots and soil loss from grain production significantly degrade environmental quality. The animals are often raised in stressful and cramped living conditions. While this approach may efficiently mass-produce beef, it is not the way our cattle at Coligny Creek are raised. We know that a pasture-based, 100% grass fed diet is a responsible choice for raising beef, and has benefits for the consumer, for the animals, and for the environment.
We have answered some common questions below that consumers want to know when choosing 100% grass fed over grain-fed, conventional beef.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS?
1. Fewer Calories
The amount of fat found in grass-fed beef is significantly lower than conventional beef. That means more meat and less guilt.
2. More Healthy Fats
Grass-fed beef is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation.
3. Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
The low amounts of saturated fats found in grass-fed beef can reduce the chances of heart disease.
4. Safer Beef Option
The potential of getting sick is very low because grass-fed beef is hormone-free and antibiotic-free.
5. Potential Cancer Fighter
One of the most prominent nutrients found in grass-fed beef is conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which fights off cancer.
ARE 100% GRASS FED CATTLE RAISED DIFFERENTLY THAN GRAIN FED CATTLE?
In a lot of conventional beef operations, corners are cut to speed up the growing process of the cattle. As we mentioned in the paragraph above, we know that a pasture-based, 100% grass fed diet is the way cattle should be raised. At Coligny Creek, we ensure that the animals are raised in the best environment, with no growth hormones or antibiotics.
IS GRASS FED BEEF BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?
The production of grass-fed beef is far less harmful to the environment than conventional beef since the amount of greenhouse gas emissions are lower. By coming to our farm to purchase beef or getting our products delivered right to your door by our trucks, it is one of the most efficient and earth friendly ways to get beef on your table!
DO I NEED TO COOK GRASS FED BEEF DIFFERENTLY THAN GRAIN FED BEEF?
Cooking grass fed beef is slightly different than cooking grain fed beef. It's leaner, so it requires lower cooking temperatures and shorter cooking times. Click here to see some helpful cooking tips for preparing your beef in the most delicious way.
DO 100% GRASS FED STEAKS STILL HAVE MARBLING?
We have been taught to think that beef tenderness is strictly caused by marbling. It's not quite that simple! It is true that fat gives meat its tenderness and flavour. Without fat, beef becomes dry, tough, and flavorless. But it is not only the visible fat layers that are responsible for beef tenderness. Tenderness and flavor are created by the microscopic fat cells deep within the meat fibers, which are invisible to the naked eye. With that being said, our grass fed steaks do contain some visible marbling, but the best way to test the tenderness and flavour is by trying one of our steaks for yourself.