Grass-fed Beef - how lean is too lean? - PaleoHacks.com

Grass-fed Beef - how lean is too lean?

2012-02-17T23:58:41Z

When does the lean to fat ratio of grass-fed beef make it not worth bothering with? I found a VERY close (I have no idea how I missed the field of longhorns driving by it three times a week, but it happened) source with what I think are reasonable prices (grass-fed, no hormones/antibiotics), especially considering I won't have to waste much gas to get it -

$3.50/# for 95/5 ground beef
$5.50/# choice roasts/liver
choice filet/ribeye/t-bone/sirloin between $10.00-$12.00/#
they do bulk for hanging weight with butchering/packing for $3.75/#.

...anyway, the rancher touts the beef as "naturally lean Texas longhorn" and such, and with that sort of fat-to-lean ratio, am I getting much benefit over the grain-fed stuff (aside from ethical issues)? I suppose I could ask if she sells the suet, perhaps?? It's just literally down the street - talk about buying local. Heeeelp.

Answer by Dragonfly for Grass-fed Beef - how lean is too lean?

2012-02-18T00:11:39Z

Try it! (Unless you have to buy a side of it at once?)

85/15 is the lowest I go with ground beef, so you could add some fat or skip it.

Steaks depend on the breed and pasture.

We had 3 local producers where we used to live and I only liked the meat from one of them.

Answer by pjnoir for Grass-fed Beef - how lean is too lean?

2012-02-18T00:15:35Z

grass fed is leaner but not all GRASS FED is the same. You need to invest time and finding the right farm or rancher. A good butcher should not cut the animal in the same way as a convential butcher does either. Cheaper cuts will be better.

Answer by stephenj for Grass-fed Beef - how lean is too lean?

2012-02-18T03:23:46Z

She may mean it's not as well marbled -- you don't get much if any marbling in grass-fed -- in which case it could just be a matter of asking them not to trim cuts too close.

Another angle is just going for fatty cuts. I'd be really surprised if the brisket is lean, for example.

Answer by Happy Now for Grass-fed Beef - how lean is too lean?

2012-02-18T04:03:55Z

Depends what you want to do with it.

For making jerky from ground beef I go for as lean as possible.

Might be a good base for something like a bacon wrapped meatloaf.

Answer by Eric for Grass-fed Beef - how lean is too lean?

2012-02-18T06:03:25Z

They are selling it as lean to market it to the low fat crowd. They will likely sell you meat with more fat. If it is grass fed it is worth it regardless of the fat level.