A couple of weeks ago, we taught a Market to Kitchen home cooking class titled Farm Market Meat: Why it Matters and How Best to Cook It. We started with a Q & A with the meat producers at market and then hosted a cooking demonstration and tasting. Here is what we discussed:
What is sustainability and can you eat sustainably if you eat meat?
Overused and arbitrarily defined, sustainability is defined in the dictionary as “of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged”. If you choose to eat meat remember two things:
*** Eat less and rely more on vegetarian options for protein.
*** Be a conscious meat eater, which means educating yourself on the environmental impacts of meat and finding sustainable sources.
I often shop the farmers market for vegetables, but don’t buy meat.
Especially with meat, we need to eat with our eyes wide open. If you believe raising and killing an animal is wrong then become a vegetarian. If you believe that animals have the right to move, feed and breed based on their natural instinct then make the commitment to buy organic, local, free of hormones and antibiotics, and animals that are well-treated. This is the type of meat found at reputable farmers markets so if you are committed to buying vegetables try to make the commitment to buying good meat.
Is farm market meat more expensive?
Yes, most farm market meat is more expensive but perhaps you will buy less of it and that is a good thing. One of the reasons cheap meat is produced in vast quantities is because we are buying it. Mass-produced food (organic or conventional) does nothing for the land, except burn it up. It is not sustainable.
What cuts of meat are at the market?
Different muscles on animals are used for different things; this is what makes a different cut of meat. Quick cooking usually comes from the back and back-end parts that do the least work, such as rump, tenderloin, sirloin. The farmers know their meat and can direct you to cooking methods that work well – just ask. Also, many small farmers will take orders for special cuts if you do not see what you like. With the chefs, lamb and goat are popular.
How do I defrost the meat?
Most meat bought at farmers markets is frozen. The best way to defrost farm market meat is to leave it in the package in the refrigerator overnight or place it on the counter until it has thawed. Open package, pour off juice and place on paper towels to dry the meat. Do not place in the microwave or leave it in the hot sun.
Is meat eating essential for protein?
You do not always need meat on your plate to get protein. Most of us need far less protein than we think, which can make good meat affordable. Here is a List of Non-Meat Sources of Protein.
Recipes for Farm Market Meat?
Our tasting included lots of good recipes for meat, but the favorite and probably the simplest was Cumin-Coriander Kebabs.
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