Where can I purchase bison meat?

Bison meat can be purchased today online from a variety of sources.
Specialty food stores are very likely to carry fresh bison meat as well. More and more frequently, grocery stores are beginning to carry bison meat as its popularity increases. Ask your local grocery store meat department to carry bison meat. You can help to make it more readily available for all consumers. Or, contact the Bison Chef and he will help you locate a source.

Why is bison meat not more available?

Currently, many informed consumers know about the nutritious benefits of bison meat. However, each month, more and more people are trying it and learning how delicious it is and the many ways in which it can be prepared. Bison meat is difficult to find because bison ranchers have done a poor job marketing it. In addition, increasing demand for bison has also diminished the supply of meat on the market. While bison producers are ranchers, none can claim the distinction of Chef de Cuisine like The Bison Chef. He is committed to developing awareness for more and more consumers.

The Bison Chef will provide line-tested menus and recipes each month to encourage you to include bison on your menu at your food establishment or at home. He welcomes your inquiries and are available to help you create a signature dish for any type of food establishment. Write or call to arrange a consultation. He can help you find the best resource for bison meat, help you with issues pertaining to quantity and quality, presentation and storage. His goal is to make bison meat more widely available and well known.

How do I cook bison meat?

Bison meat is similar to beef in the way it is prepared. However, due to its low fat content, one of its best characteristics, it's extremely important to remember to cook it slowly, with a lower heat and serve it less well done than beef. Bison meat tastes best cooked and served at "medium" or "below medium." The Bison Chef will provide recipes and directions for preparing bison meat in a variety of ways each month on this web site. Contact the Bison Chef for consultations.

I have a heart condition, is bison meat good for me?

Bison meat is the meat of choice for anyone watching his or her cholesterol and fat intake. It is by far the best red meat you can eat if you are monitoring a heart condition. Bison offers a very nutritious source of protein, yet has very little fat, making it the perfect "red" meat for someone on a low-fat diet. It is also extremely delicious and tasty. In general, fewer additives, such as hormones and chemicals, are used in the raising of bison. Consequently, bison is a very "natural" source of nutrition as well.

I have heard that there is a difference between grass-fed and grain-fed meat. Can you explain the difference to me?

All grass-fed animals are typically richer in the good Omega fatty acids, lower in fat and happier, healthier animals than grain fed. For a discussion about these issues, refer to a recent article published in Bison World magazine, based on a study by Dr. Marchello from North Dakota. (mmarchel@ndsuest.nodak.edu). The article explains that the difference between grass-fed animals and grain-fed animals is in the Omega fatty acids and the ratio between Omega 6's and Omega 3's is as follows: Grass fed has a ratio of about 3 to 1 (very good). Grain fed has a ratio of about 99 to 1 (not very good). The recommended ratio of Omega 6's to Omega 3's is 4 to 1 or below.