NY Farms!
What's for Dinner? Beef of Course!
According to the latest government data, a 3 oz. serving of beef is a good source of 9 essential nutrients. What's more, the six leanest beef cuts have, on average, just one more gram of saturated fat per 3 oz. serving than chicken's leanest cut, the skinless chicken breast. Not only does it taste good, beef is also a great way to fuel your body. In the American diet, beef is the number one contributor of protein, zinc and vitamin B12, number two of vitamin B6, and number three of iron and niacin. By supplying a nutrient bundle in every bite, eating beef is a great way to make your calories count. A 3 oz. serving of lean beef contributes less than 10% of the calories in a 2,000-calorie diet. At the same time, it supplies more than 10% of the Daily Value for these nutrients.
There are at least 19 cuts of beef that meet the government labeling guidelines for lean or extra lean. According to government guidelines, a serving qualifies as "extra lean" if it has less than 5g total fat, 2g or less saturated fat and less than 95mg cholesterol per 3.5 oz. serving. A serving qualifies as "lean" if it has less than 10g total fat, 4.5g or less saturated fat and less than 95mg cholesterol per 3.5 oz. serving. In addition, 95% lean/5% fat ground beef is also considered lean. For more information visit www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com
There are numerous agricultural practices employed. Beef can be labeled conventional, free ranged, grass fed or pastured, intensively grazed, natural, certified organic, antibiotic free, hormone free, and/or pesticide free. For the best pricing you might want to order a side of beef, versus high-end cuts. Talk to your local farmer about what's right for you.
Beef is versatile and it tastes great. For tender cuts you can use a dry heat cooking method such as broiling, grilling or roasting. Less tender cuts should be cooked with moist heat using techniques such as braising or stewing.
August 31, is Beef Day at the New York State Fair. Come join Patty Melt and celebrate. Have a burger when you attend a Fair or Festival in your area. Visit the NY Farms! Calendar for festivals and fairs 2004 at www.nyfarms.info or contact your local tourism office.
To learn more about beef visit the New York State Beef Industry Council: www.nybic.org or www.nybeef.org. Visit the NY beef producers at the NY Beef Producers Association at www.nybpa.org. You may also want to check out the National Cattlemen's Beef Association www.nybeef.org
This list is compiled from data obtained from
the PRIDE of NY, Farm To Table (Earthpledge), Local Harvest, Eat Well. Org., and NOFA.
NY Farms! is not endorsing any of the noted businesses.
