Are you confused about the difference between grass fed and grass finished beef?
You’re not alone.
With so many labels and certifications out there, it can be difficult to know what you’re really getting when you buy beef. And when it comes to Open Nature Grass Fed Beef, the confusion only grows.
Is it truly 100% grass fed? Is it grass finished?
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of beef production and explore what these labels really mean.
So grab a seat and get ready to learn about the journey from pasture to plate.
Is Open Nature Grass Fed Beef Grass Finished?
Open Nature Grass Fed Beef is marketed as 100% grass fed, but the question remains: is it grass finished?
To answer this question, we need to understand the difference between grass fed and grass finished beef.
Grass fed beef comes from cattle that have been raised on pasture and have only eaten grasses for their entire lives. However, this does not necessarily mean that they have been exclusively grass finished.
Grass finished beef, on the other hand, means that the cattle have been raised on pasture and have only eaten grasses for their entire lives, including during the finishing phase. This is important because the finishing phase is when many conventional beef producers switch to feeding their cattle grains and other feedstuffs to fatten them up quickly.
So, is Open Nature Grass Fed Beef grass finished?
According to Safeway, the retailer that sells Open Nature Grass Fed Beef, the answer is yes. They claim that their beef is 100% grass fed and that when there is no grass available, they buy it and ship it in. This means that their cattle are not fed any grains or other feedstuffs during the finishing phase.
However, it’s important to note that there is no federal government standard or enforcement for any grass fed label. This means that some producers may use the label “grass fed” even if their cattle have been fed grains during the finishing phase.
So while Safeway claims that their Open Nature Grass Fed Beef is grass finished, it’s always a good idea to do your own research and ask questions about how the beef was produced.
The Difference Between Grass Fed And Grass Finished Beef
The terms “grass fed” and “grass finished” are often used interchangeably, but there is a significant difference between the two. Grass fed beef refers to meat from cattle that have been raised on pasture and have only eaten grasses for their entire lives. However, this does not necessarily mean that they have been exclusively grass finished.
Grass finished beef, on the other hand, means that the cattle have been raised on pasture and have only eaten grasses for their entire lives, including during the finishing phase. This is important because the finishing phase is when many conventional beef producers switch to feeding their cattle grains and other feedstuffs to fatten them up quickly.
It’s important to note that there is no federal government standard or enforcement for any grass fed label. This means that some producers may use the label “grass fed” even if their cattle have been fed grains during the finishing phase. Therefore, it’s crucial to do your own research and ask questions about how the beef was produced.
Grass finished beef has several benefits over conventionally raised beef. It is leaner and lower in calories, with higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, CLA’s (Conjugated Linoleic Acid), and Vitamins A and E. Additionally, grass finished beef is often considered more humane as it allows the cattle to graze on pasture for their entire lives.
What Does Open Nature Grass Fed Beef Mean?
Open Nature Grass Fed Beef is a product line of beef sold by Safeway. According to Safeway, their Open Nature Grass Fed Beef is 100% grass fed, which means that their cattle have only been raised on pasture and have only eaten grasses for their entire lives. This also means that their beef is free from any grains or other feedstuffs that are commonly used during the finishing phase of conventional beef production.
Safeway claims that when there is no grass available, they buy it and ship it in to ensure that their cattle continue to eat only grasses. This dedication to 100% grass feeding is important because it results in a leaner and healthier product that is rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
It’s worth noting that Open Nature Grass Fed Beef is not certified by any third-party organizations like the USDA or the American Grassfed Association. However, Safeway claims that they follow strict guidelines for raising their cattle and producing their beef, which includes no antibiotics or added hormones.
The Importance Of Grass Finishing For Beef Quality
Grass finishing is crucial for producing high-quality beef that is not only nutritious but also flavorful. When cattle are exclusively fed grasses during their entire lives, including the finishing phase, they develop a unique taste and texture that is different from conventionally raised beef.
Grass finishing also has numerous health benefits. Grass-fed and grass-finished beef is higher in nutrients, antioxidants, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids known as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). CLA is a fatty acid that has anti-carcinogenic properties and can help with losing weight. Grass-finished beef also contains 2-4 times more Omega 3 fatty acids than grass-fed beef. Omega 3 is essential for hormonal health, cognitive function, healthy skin, cardiovascular health, and keeping the body’s anti-inflammatory response under control. Grass-finished beef also tends to have higher levels of E, B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium.
Additionally, grass finishing is better for the environment. Cows raised on feedlots produce a significant amount of methane gas, which contributes to global greenhouse emissions. In contrast, pasture-raised, grass-finished cows that are raised with rotational grazing can help rectify those greenhouse gas emissions. Rotation grazing is a practice of moving grazing cattle between pastures on a regular basis, and it helps “carbon scrub” or remove carbon dioxide from the air and enriches the soil.
However, producing high-quality grass-finished beef requires proper finishing to ensure an enjoyable eating experience. An improper finish may be due to insufficient fat insulation and can produce off-flavored meat. Consistency and quality are influenced by a variety of factors including feed resources, grazing management, and genetics.
How To Ensure You’re Getting Grass Finished Beef
If you want to ensure that you’re getting grass finished beef, there are a few things you can do:
1. Look for the “grass finished” label: While there is no federal standard for grass fed beef, some producers voluntarily use the “grass finished” label to indicate that their cattle have only eaten grasses for their entire lives, including during the finishing phase.
2. Research the producer: Do some research on the producer of the beef you’re interested in buying. Look for information on their website or contact them directly to ask about their production practices, including how their cattle are fed during the finishing phase.
3. Check for third-party certifications: Some third-party organizations offer certifications for grass finished beef, such as the American Grassfed Association or the USDA Grass Fed Marketing Claim Standard. Look for these certifications on the beef packaging or ask the producer if they have any certifications.
4. Buy from a trusted source: If you’re unsure about a particular brand of grass fed beef, consider buying from a local farmer or rancher who raises grass fed and finished cattle. You can often find these producers at farmers markets or through community-supported agriculture programs.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that you’re getting high-quality grass finished beef that is rich in nutrients and sustainably raised.
The Benefits Of Choosing Grass Finished Beef
Choosing grass finished beef over conventional grain-fed beef comes with several benefits. Grass finished beef contains higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants, such as vitamins A, E, and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been found to help prevent and treat diseases such as heart disease, stroke, autoimmune responses, and cancer. Grass finished beef also has significantly lower levels of saturated fat compared to grain-fed beef, reducing the risk of heart diseases. Additionally, grass finished beef is a source of high-quality protein that contains every amino acid your body needs to make a complete protein building block. This protein can help prevent sarcopenia, a loss of muscle mass that develops from a deficiency in protein over time. Furthermore, grass finished beef contains beta-alanine, an amino acid that helps your body form a compound called carnosine. Carnosine is important for muscle function, potentially increasing your capacity and performance in high-intensity exercise. Lastly, grass finished beef is rich in iron, specifically heme iron which the body absorbs very easily. This can help prevent anemia, a condition in which the blood has a reduced number of red blood cells and capacity to carry oxygen. Overall, choosing grass finished beef can provide numerous health benefits and is a great option for those looking to improve their diet and lifestyle.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About Your Beef
When it comes to choosing the highest quality beef, it’s important to be an informed consumer. While grass fed and grass finished beef may be more nutritious and beneficial than grain-fed beef, it’s important to understand the nuances in labeling and production methods.
When shopping for beef, look for labels that specify both grass fed and grass finished. It’s also a good idea to do your own research and ask questions about the producer’s production methods.
If you’re having trouble finding high-quality beef in your local supermarket, consider looking for a reputable online retailer that specializes in grass fed and grass finished beef. This can help take the guesswork out of meat sourcing and ensure that you’re getting the best quality beef possible.