Beef week at BigBarn (Sustainable)

Yes we can, and should, eat Beef, as long it is sustainable. Beef is one of our most versatile meats and full of protein and vitamins.

We say sustainable because there has been a great deal of news about beef causing global warming, with some universities idiotically banning it (previous blog here)

Yes intensively farmed beef, fed on grain and shipped half way round the world, is wrong, and should be taxed heavily. Beef from a local mixed farm fed on pasture is totally different as the cattle are an important part of the ecosystem and helping to improve soil.

Beef can be stewed, roasted, grilled, potted, dried, minced and available in many different cuts often confusing for the average person. And why we have friendly local butchers. Many will surprise customers by recommending cheaper cuts for recipes.  Including what you can do with each cut, the breed, how long to rest it, etc. They have a wealth of knowledge that supermarkets can’t and are not interested in providing.

It is common to hear that the finest ‘fillet’ of beef from a supermarket cooked exactly as instructed can be tough and tasteless compared to a well-hung ‘topside’ at half the price from a local butcher.

Likewise the ‘chopped shin’ of a well-hung rare breed animal could be better and cheaper for stewing, than the more expensive ‘best stewing steak’ from the supermarket.

All you need to do is find your local butcher using our Beef Map or local beef farmer and ask what they recommend, as well as how to cook it (resting after cooking is crucial, at least 10 minutes, especially steak!). It is in their interest to look after you, as they want to see you buying again. Please remember to ask about sustainable production! Some butchers may buy cheaper beef to compete with the supermarkets.

Or for a delivery search ‘beef’ in the BigBarn MarketPlace and don’t be afraid to phone first and get a recommendation. And for inspiration try our recipes.

Or if you have a favourite beef recipe, or any other recipe, and would like the chance to win a prize, please video your recipe and add it to KIS (Keep it Simple) Cookery. Please have a look at existing videos here and try and keep your video less than 2 minutes long.