When I’m out, whether running or participating in some outdoor activity, I often find myself feeling a little hungry. Even though I have eaten a meal in the not too distant past, a little extra protein could give me enough calories and some extra energy boost I need.
This is a great time to dig into my stash of Country Archer grass-fed beef jerky because it will satisfy my craving without destroying my low carb diet.
Given that the term grass-fed is fairly new on the landscape, it makes good sense to provide some insider information on why we believe that beef that is designated as grass-fed represents the very best product anyone can get.
The finest in grass-fed jerky comes from cows that graze in pastures comprised of healthy grasses. These cows must eat a diet that contains none of the additives and antibiotics that can greatly compromise the health and safety of commercial beef products.
At Country Archer Jerky Beef they are committed to making only the best jerky, not just because it is delicious, but also because it is healthy. The process of making it offers a better experience for the cows as well, establishing a healthy cycle that everyone is sure to appreciate.
I have tried many beef jerky products, but their grass-fed beef jerky products are the most natural tasting so far. Let’s dig some more and talk about why I always keep a pack of grass-fed beef jerky in my backpack.
Facts About Corn-Fed Beef
The name itself tells the story here, as corn-fed beef is obtained from cows that have eaten diets rich in corn. The reason that corn is a popular feed choice for cattle is that it is high in calories and quickly facilitates fattening of the livestock.
Highly caloric diets combined with the use of commercial growth hormones cause swift growth in cattle. However, speed does not always equate with quality, and it is our sincere hope that corn-based diets begin to lose popularity due to the potential health dangers to those who ultimately consume the meat.
How Corn Based and Grass Based Diets Impact Cows Health
A diet based on corn differs significantly from one based on grass because the former has much greater density, and the feeding environment required is distinct from the grass-fed environment.
It has been said that a good analogy for this is to consider the difference between eating plates of spinach or kale all day and eating bowls of heavy oatmeal laden with hormone additives and antibiotic drugs.
A cow is almost certain to add weight faster on a corn diet, boosting the ability of meat producers to increase their volumes. As such, corn has become the favored diet for commercial beef enterprises. But, this is not where the analysis should end.
Cows that are given corn-based diets tend to remain in smaller feeding facilities because the entire purpose of feeding corn is to eliminate the need for expanses of the pasture while achieving rapid weight gain.
The ethical trouble with this type of scenario is clear. Stowing lots of large animals in a confined space is cruel and makes for a factory-like model of production.
Animals subjected to this type of atmosphere, as well as the humans who eventually eat their meat, suffer tremendously as a result.
When pastures are absent, cows get virtually no exercise. Therefore, they grow fatter quickly but do so in an unhealthy way. Conditions on a typical feedlot are appalling, and animals do not command a great deal of respect or consideration.
Clearly, corn-based diets are merely a link in a much longer chain that results in the poor treatment of animals in the pursuit of larger profits.
What Are the Health Benefits of Grass-Fed Beef for Athletes
The reasons why grass feed beef surpasses corn fed products are innumerable. Grass-fed cows spend their days traversing the pasture, moving their muscles and producing leaner end products. Lean meat contains a greater ratio of healthy fats, resulting in a better dietary component for humans.
Grass-fed cows are also known to produce meat that is higher in vitamins, antioxidants, and key minerals. Cows that eat grass have the opportunity to glean the natural nutrients from the plants, with clover and wild onion among them.
While humans are unable to digest these types of plants, cows can, with the help of their complex digestive systems. Beta-carotene is a good example of this difference.
An element of vitamin A, it is known to be in natural grass pigments. However, it does not exist in corn feeds commonly used in commercial beef production settings.
A human needs to strive toward balance when it comes to Omega-3 and Omega-6 volumes. It is important to note that Omega-3 can be found at levels three times higher in grass-fed beef as compared to corn-fed.
The bottom line is that cows are what they eat, and humans, in turn, are the beneficiaries if the bovine diet is a healthy one.
When highly nutritious grasses are switched to dense, yet deficient corn feed products, humans miss out on a tremendous number of nutritional benefits that would otherwise occur from grazing and cattle digestion.
Country Archer Jerky: All Natural Beef Jerky Review
Having discovered beef jerky a few years ago, I usually keep a supply on hand for times when a little extra energy is needed between meals. Since there is a variety of flavors including hickory smoke, teriyaki, sweet jalapeno, and the original, I usually have a least a few choices.
Of course, it is also very convenient that this tasty jerky is available in stick form, bars, and variety packs. Beef jerky is not only convenient, but there is no need for me to worry it will spoil if I leave it in my car or carry it in my pocket all day.
Only 100 percent grass-fed beef is used to make Country Archer beef jerky, and the product does not include any preservatives at all.
Country Archer Jerky: All Natural Beef Jerky Original
The original flavor is incredibly fresh with great taste. Definitely one of the best beef jerky I’ve ever tried. The texture of the original jerky has consistently high-quality flavor, the right texture, and is always fresh and moist. It has smooth pepper and garlic flavor. I love it.
Country Archer Jerky: All Natural Beef Jerky Teriyaki
The teriyaki marinade tastes authentic, made with premium teriyaki beef jerky. Handcrafted, with delicious food ingredients like garlic, pineapple, pepper, and ginger. Each batch is crafted daily by real people. This Teriyaki beef jerky has a nice mild, sweet flavor. The taste is not overwhelming.
Country Archer Jerky: All Natural Beef Jerky Mango Habanero
The “Mango Habanero” is 100% grass-fed beef jerky. Mango habanero has a fantastic flavor with a delicate balance between sweet and heat. This jerky is moist, not hard, and easy to chew, with the right thickness. Gives a little kick at the end!
Ingredients and Description:
- Excellent source of protein;
- Low in fat;
- No preservatives added;
- No nitrites;
- No MSG**;
- Natural smoke flavoring added;
- Only grass-fed beef used;
- Gluten-free;
- U.S. inspected and passed by Department of Agriculture EST. 20131;
- Crafted premium beef.
Benefits From Grass-Fed Beef Production for the Society
Commentators at the Food Revolution have suggested that grass feeding of cattle is akin to a protein factory, only in reverse.
The concept of feeding corn was initially believed to be an effective method of boosting production, but it has actually brought a host of health hazards to both cattle and humans.
Corn fed cows are housed in deplorable conditions, and the antibiotic treatments used to facilitate the process are wholly undesirable.
Fortunately, nowadays consumers have become more educated on the process and are insisting on healthier production methods for the food they eat and more humane conditions for the animals that provide it.
The modern world is characterized by pollution and a range of other dangers, and it makes sense to eliminate risk wherever possible.
Unfortunately, governmental subsidies have provided support not too small, grass-feeding farmers, but rather to large corn feed production lots.
Some hope can be taken in the fact that in recent years, Confined Animal Feeding Operations are being countered by farmers focusing on grass feeding principles.
Small farmers who emphasize the humane treatment of animals and the production of healthier beef is driving this trend, with consumer preferences also a substantial factor.
Potential Downsides to Grass Feeding
While the benefits of grass feeding are many, there are some negatives that need to be considered as well. First of all, grass-fed production costs more, and the end product does as well. The pasture space required for this type of cattle raising is expensive.
Factory farming offers savings, and this fact is a large reason why it took off in the first place. However, shifts in consumer demand toward healthier food raised in ethical ways have helped turn the tide back toward the way things used to be.
The main thing to remember is that corn feeding of cattle is all about profit, while grass feeding is done to focus on better treatment of animals and the production of a higher quality product for those who consume them.
Diets based in corn that is fed to cattle tend to be replete with hormones as well as antibiotics, whereas grass-fed cattle produce beef that is full of potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin E and Omega-3 levels that are truly impressive.
We take great pride in producing meat that is delicious, healthy and of the highest quality. Our customers and the gratitude they express for our efforts within the grass-fed community make all of our work worthwhile.
Does Country Archer Grass-Fed Beef Jerky Contain Preservatives
They use natural types of preservatives in our jerky products, but no nitrites/nitrates or other artificial preservative additives are ever used.
How Long Does the Shelf Life of Jerky Last
The jerky we produce generally lasts for roughly ten months, and every package contains an expiration date. If you open a package and are unable to finish it promptly, it is advisable to eat the rest within a week.
Eating the jerky more quickly ensures that it always tastes as fresh as possible.
What Cuts of Meat Are Used to Make the Best Grass-Fed Jerky?
Generally, jerky is produced from the cow’s leanest part. We use a particular area of muscle that demands a bit of work and seasoning in order to taste great. Top Round is the name of the cut we prefer.
What Goes Into a 3 Ounce Package of Jerky and What Makes Beef Cost So Much
Jerky yield tends to be about half of the actual volume of beef used to create it. For instance, if you have a full pound of beef, only half a pound of jerky can be produced once the drying process is complete.
The entire job of making jerky also includes the steps of beef trimming, marinating the meat and gradually dehydrating the product over time.
The cows are raised in wide-open pastures to limit stresses placed on the cattle. Their diets are comprised only of grasses, something which many consumers value greatly.
Health Advantages of Jerky From Grass-Fed Cows
Some of the key benefits of grass-fed jerky products include:
- far healthier than corn-fed beef products;
- omega 3 acids and Vitamin E levels up to three times greater than found in grain-fed cattle;
- valuable in the prevention of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer;
- beta-carotene in concentrations ten times higher than in corn-fed beef;
- higher levels of good fats and antioxidants and lower levels of so-called bad fats;
- absence of hormones, additives and antibiotic drugs commonly used in commercial beef production;
- presence of conjugated linoleic acid, something known to retard the growth of cancerous tumors.
Other Facts to Know Before Purchasing Grass-Fed Beef Jerky
There is little room for debate about the health advantages of grass-fed products over corn-fed beef.
The end products, including jerky, will be free from gluten and have much higher levels of antioxidants and vitamins that are so crucial to human development and health.
Our production processes involve the addition of no antibiotics, hormonal supplements or artificially derived preservatives. The care and concern we put into the creation of our jerky is unrivaled and appreciated by those who purchase our products.
