Bison: The Better Red Meat?

Bison, or Buffalo (interchangeable words), is often seen as a healthier version of red meat. It is similar to beef, but usually said to be slightly sweeter in taste. For cooking, bison is used much like beef. You might have seen a Bison Burger on a menu here or there. Its used in chili recipes, skewered on kabobs, in stews, you name it! But why is it seen as healthier?

Because the way bison are farmed (more naturally), the meat is leaner. The meat is usually produced without the use of hormones and antibiotics. Grass-fed bison are going to have the most health benefits; however, farmers usually turn to supplemental feeding of grains and hay to ensure enough bison product. As with anything, the more "commercial" production gets, the less healthy the product becomes. When a company starts mass producing, you are going to end up with a less satisfactory product due to the animal having less freedom to roam (so more fat content), being grain-fed (less healthy Omega fatty acids), and being slaughtered at a younger age (milder flavored meat).

On a positive note, bison is very nutrient rich, meaning it has a high portion of nutrients per calorie. Bison is high in protein, iron, zinc, phosphorus, B6 and B12. And, even though practices might change in the future, for now, it is processed much more naturally than beef, chicken, and turkey. If you are going for a more natural, hormone free intake, bison is the choice for you!

The only brand sold at my grocery is Great Range. The nutrition label for their ground bison is seen here. A very lean beef is going to have fewer calories and fat, but less nutritional value.

Health wise, it would be beneficial to work bison into your intake, pulling it into rotation with your other meat choices!

Check here for some great bison recipes!

Also, Here is Kentucky Bison Company's site that lists local (Kentucky) restaurants where you can find their products. The company is owned by 21C Museum Hotel's Steve Wilson and wife Laura Lee Brown.

*Thank you to Louisville, Kentucky's Adam Fish for this great topic! Follow him on Twitter at @Adam_Fish