Take Stock in Meridian
Supply shortages and plant closures might be making the headlines these days, but our meat cases are fully stocked with high-quality 100% grass-fed beef at all of our Meridian locations. If you haven't discovered our grass-fed beef yet or if you're simply asking, "Where's the Beef?" please read on.
Pasture Makes Perfect
We say this a lot, but it bares repeating: it's simply better beef. Grass-fed beef is healthier, richer in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, and more flavourful and tender.
While there is a fair amount of back and forth on the subject of omega-3 fatty acids in beef, especially when compared to omega-3-dense foods such as salmon, what many in the grass-fed camp point to is the fact that omega-3 levels in grain-fed feed-lot cattle are almost non-existent. Along with increased omega-3 levels, grass-fed beef is higher in B vitamins, vitamin E, vitamin K, and magnesium and calcium. But let's be honest, it's all about the flavour, right?
Since our cattle graze through pastures under low-stress conditions, they're allowed to grow at nature's pace. This means that there is no "fattening up" period that most grain-fed cattle endure. The result is a leaner cut of meat, more protein, and much better marbling. Meridian prides itself on working with farmers and ranchers that share our values and our commitment to provide only the finest cuts to our customers and communities. And in some cases this means going a bit farther to find exactly what we're looking for.
Proven Farming Methods in a Far Green Country
Grass-fed ranches are expanding across North America, but a common challenge is the changing seasons. Ranchers are often limited by harsh winters and shortened periods with healthy grass for the livestock. This was a driving factor behind our decision to go abroad to the world's premiere pastures.
Agriculture has remained a leading industry in New Zealand for generations with many family farms still employing traditional methods that have stood the test of time—case and point, grass-fed beef. With lush pastures year round, beef cattle are afforded the opportunity to grow at nature's pace, feeding on nutrient-rich grass and low-lying greens. Make no mistake, these are not your golf-course-style trimmings. Pastures are made up of wild grass, sedge, shrubs, and herbs providing gut-friendly sustenance for its diners—the way nature intended.
New Zealand also has a reputation of being a world leader in animal welfare by allowing their livestock to grow and thrive in these low-stress, social environments without the use of growth hormones and/or steroids.
