Know What You’re Buying

When choosing beef, not all cuts are created equal. The photo below shows farm-raised beef (left) next to store-bought beef (right). While the visual difference is striking, there’s much more to consider beyond appearance.

Key Differences:

1. Color & Freshness

• Store-bought beef often appears lighter due to preservatives like propyl gallate, which slow oxidation and extend shelf life.

• Farm-raised beef has a deeper, richer red hue—a sign of freshness and the absence of artificial additives.

2. Source Transparency

• Supermarket beef may claim “Product of the USA” but can include meat from multiple countries (Canada, Brazil, Argentina) and numerous cows, making traceability difficult.

• Many commercial cattle come from factory farms with overcrowded, unethical conditions.

• Farm-raised beef typically comes from a single, locally raised animal, ensuring quality, consistency, and ethical treatment.

3. Taste & Nutrition

• Farm beef is fresher, more flavorful, and often grass-fed, leading to higher levels of Omega-3s, antioxidants, and healthier fats.

• Store beef is frequently grain-fed, processed for mass production, and may contain hormones or antibiotics.

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