How is bison meat good for your health?
Bison, more than any other animal, are raised in a way that closely resembles their natural lifestyle. They are almost always pastured, as it is impractical to keep the animals confined for a number of reasons, and therefore do not run the risk of disease that their factory-farmed counterparts tend to have. Not to mention, the U.S. actually prohibits the use of growth hormones in bison.
Why should you buy bison meat from an eco/local farm?
Though all bison production could be considered better than other meats for a number of reasons, some will differ in how the animals are “finished” — or, what they eat in the final months of their life. Some bison are grain-finished, and are typically fed corn in the last 90-120 days of their life. Much of the corn raised for livestock feed in the United States comes from unsustainable farming practices, such as large-scale conventional monocultures. By finding a local producer, you can find out for yourself if the bison if grain-finished, or 100% grass-fed.
How can I use bison meat in my home?
Bison meat is somewhat similar to beef, but there are some key differences to keep in mind during preparation. For one, bison is a much leaner meat, so you won’t see the white marbling that is common in beef, and is less commonly prepared as “steak”. Bison can also be tougher than meat, so it often calls for different preparation processes, such as slow cooking or braising. Bison can also be ground and used in burgers, chilis, soups and more.
Have you tried or cooked with bison? What’s your favorite way to prepare it? Let us know!
