Northern Arapaho Grass-Fed Beef

Posted on 31. May, 2009 by The Active Organic in Food, Products

I recently came across a post on Whole Foods Blog about Nothern Arapaho Tribe’s Grass-Fed Beef provided to the Rocky Mountain region Whole Foods Markets.

It was really exciting to read about this tribe and how they cared for their land and fellow animals. They operate 595,000 acres, where they raise an all angus herd on a diet of grass and forbs, no hormones or antibiotics. The cherry on top is how they respect their land and the natural predetors around them. Here is a snippet:

The Northern Arapaho tribe is committed to maintaining the biodiversity and ecological balance of its land. Even wolves and coyotes, normally regarded as cattle’s predators, are protected. The cattle move freely over abundant pastureland, sometimes spurred to move by those very predators - a natural check against overgrazing. Loss of cattle to predators is miniscule.

I decided I had to try some of it. I don’t eat red meat all too often, but I do love a nice steak or burger every couple weeks. Turns out we had the beef two weeks in a row. My father had bought some ground beef one week and I bought the ribeye’s the following week. Oh were they effin good!

The results
Both my father and I concurred that the burgers and steaks were by far a step above. In my fathers words, “That has got to be the best steak I have ever eaten”. I didn’t actually think I would taste a huge difference but it really was incredible beef. There really is a difference. It was tender, juicy and just pure beef, it’s kind of hard to explain. For those of you who are meat lovers you have to try it for yourself and let us know what you think.

Cooking: I sprinkled some lemon pepper and garlic salt on the steaks and seared each side for a minute or two, than turned down the heat and let them grill for another four to five minutes each side. Came out right in-between medium and medium-rare, perfecto!

The comparison
Organic is going to be a bit more expensive across the board, but I have no problem spending the money if I am putting something natural and void of chemicals or drugs in my body. My health is worth it!

Taste/ Hands down the best meat I’ve ever tasted and the most tender
Price/ No. Arapaho Ribeye - $15.99/lb : Whole Foods Ribeye - $14.99/lb : Butcher Shop Ribeye - $11.99/lb : Grocery Store Ribeye - $9.99/lb

In conclusion
There are three reasons I will continue to buy this meat as long as it’s available.

First/ Healthier for our bodies
Second/ More sustainable way of life for the ranchers, the animals and our planet
Third/ I want to support and promote these types of enterprises

Kudos to the Arapaho and their endeavors. Thanks to Panorama Grass-Fed Meats and Whole Foods for supporting them and bringing it to our doorstep.

If you do decide to give it a go, make sure you read the story about Panorama meats and the Arapaho Ranch. I promise you will savor it much more.

Here is a nice resource about the health qualities of their meats.

You can also get Panorama meats throughout various western states, check out their markets here.