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Organic-Beef
Beef, it's what's for dinner tonight, right?
Unfortunately, the idea of consuming a cut of meat from a mass-produced animal is not very appealing to many of us...but fortunately, there are alternatives.
We wanted to know if going organic with our beef is worth it.
So we spoke with a former executive chef of a famous steakhouse, he explained to us how he developed an appreciation for the superior quality of organic and sustainably raised beef.
While admittedly, organic-beef is more expensive than its conventional counterpart, the added expense is worth it.
Here's some reasons why we appreciate organic-beef:
Supporting local farms that raise cattle sustainably has a positive impact that extends far beyond the health benefits to you and your family.
Not only do these farms produce healthy and responsible food sources, they also preserve the bio-diversity of our environment that industrial farming damages.
In addition to organic labels, look for "heritage" and "heirloom" animal breeds when making your selections.
What did your beef eat and how did it live?
Organic-beef comes from a cow that has been raised free of hormones and antibiotics and on a vegetarian diet of grass and organic feed.
By contrast, industry-farmed cattle often finish their lives by being crowded onto feedlots and fattened on corn; a food that is hard for them to digest.
Look for 100% pastured-raised beef.
This beef comes from cows that were never on a feedlot, began their lives in the pasture and finished that way.
Other humane methods include finishing cattle by spreading a controlled amount of grain in the fields where they are pastured.
Some cattle are fed hay on feedlots at times of the year when grass is unavailable.
Decide what's important to you.
Responsible cattle farming extends to the people who work on the farms.
If the workers are happy, I would imagine the cattle are happier as well!
When you buy at the local market, getting information from the farmers is easy.
If shopping at the local market is not always possible, let your needs be known at your local stores or super markets.
Ask store managers if the distributors of the meat you buy can provide their list of standards.
If so, it will inform your purchasing decisions.
If not, what does that say about their practices?
Organic-beef is healthier!
Some organic-beef purveyors contend that, on average, a six-ounce portion of grass-fed, organic beef can contain 100 fewer calories and 10 fewer grams of saturated fat than conventionally raised beef.
Here is an awesome recipe that we have served on several occasions with rave reviews;
Sliced Steak with Brunello Sauce
Ingredients;
1. 2 pounds boneless sirloin steak, about 1-inch thick (boneless rib eye or strip steak can be substituted)
2. Salt and freshly ground pepper
3. 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4. 1/2 medium onion, coarsely chopped
5. 1/2 carrot, coarsely chopped
6. 1/2 stalk celery, coarsely chopped
7. 2 cups Brunello wine (Rosso di Montalcino wine can be substituted)
8. 1 sprig rosemary
9. 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
Cooking Directions
1. Season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium- high heat.
When the olive oil is hot, add the steak and cook until well seared, about 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Transfer the steak to a plate.
2. Meanwhile, place the chopped onion, carrot and celery in the skillet, lower the heat to medium and saute the vegetables until browned, about 4 minutes.
Add the wine and scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan.
Add the rosemary and simmer until the liquid is reduced by two-thirds.
Turn off the heat, strain the sauce into a bowl, discarding the solids, and return the sauce to the skillet.
3. Cut the butter into small pats and gently swirl them into the sauce, then season with salt and pepper.
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and slice it across the grain into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
Serve the steak with the Brunello sauce.
Yield: 4 servings
3. Still Hungry?
Wilted spinach with currants is a pleasing side dish to this sliced steak.
Nutrition Info
Per Serving
• Calories: 553 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Fat: 29 g
• Protein: 49 g
• Sugars: 1 g
Bon Apetit!
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