Although it may go against conventional wisdom, some studies seem to indicate that meat from older cattle may taste as good as or better than beef from younger cattle.
All across the U.S. and Europe, some restaurant menus are offering older, longer aged meat to its customers. While conventional thinking would have most restaurant patrons frowning at the mention of older meat, recent studies and tests are beginning to show that older, longer aged meat may indeed be the preferred option for some palates.
Although the meat might be more aged, its care and preparation must be top-notch. If you’re still skeptical, check out what happened when the people got a chance to taste for themselves.
Recently, a taste test was completed at Left Coast Grass Fed, a Los Angeles company who has tasked themselves with gathering data regarding young and older beef. According to “TheCattleSite”, participants in the taste test were fed beef from a 2-year-old grass fed Angus steer and an 8-year-old grass-fed Angus cow, which had both been dry aged between 14 to 21 days.
When comparing a young vs older grass fed animal one would expect some difference in the quality of the meat. After completing the blind taste test, there was an even split between those who preferred the older vs young meat. During the trials, the guests were also asked to rate everything from texture and tenderness to appearance and flavor, the older beef prevailed in most categories. The extended ageing process apparently countered the expected toughness of the older meat while the taste was expected to be similiar as both were grass fed.
This test did not compare grass fed to grass fed/grain finished beef so no comparison between those two different programs is intended or implied.
This study did show the value of ageing beef, especially older grass fed beef and may be a way to increase the supply and add value to older grass fed animals.
All quality beef starts with healthy animals that have the proper genetics and management to turn sunshine, grass and forages into delicious beef. At Flying H Genetics, we offer an extensive selection of cattle breeds and breeding bulls that have passed our 17 Quality Standards. Check out our available bulls and females online now, or call us today at 308-962-6500 to learn more.
