September & October in Ontario is grass-fed beef season. For those of you that don’t know grass-fed beef means that the cows only eat grass and whatever else they can find as they roam free in the pasture. Other cows are usually fed grain at the end to increase their weight & fat content. Organic grain-fed beef is also good for you, but I like the idea of grass-fed because it’s totally natural; how nature intended cows to be. The reason it’s grass-fed season now is because the cows have been eating grass all spring & summer, and the beef is now ready for purchase.
Organic grass-fed cows are generally healthier, which means they don’t need to be given antibiotics (this is also the case for organic grain-fed beef), and the beef is more nutritious because the cows diets are more nutritious; high in vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and healthy fats. Also, the beef is very lean (fat comes from the grain), which is better for you; especially for those who are watching their cholesterol levels. Also, the grass-fed cows are treated humanely, and this type of farming is better for the environment (1).
If you’re interested in trying organic grass-fed beef this season; eatwild.com lists all the farms in every province where it’s available. Find a farm near you, and give it a try!
If you live in Toronto, The Healthy Butcher or St. Lawrence Market are great places to buy organic grass-fed or organic grain-fed beef & other meats. Beretta Farms is another great resource. They sell organic grass-fed, natural & organic grain-fed beef, and have many other options such as organic cold cuts & sausage (no nitrites!), poultry, pork, and they are located in King City. Enjoy!
(1) eatwild.com
Image Credit: Beretta Farms
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