100% grass-fed/finished beef is high in omega-3 fatty acids. It is also high in gamey flavor and low in fat. Can we have both? Let's take a look.
Flax-fed beef is produced from cows fed a diet including crushed seeds from the flowering flax plant, also known as Linseed. Flaxseeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have several health benefits. Some studies suggest that consuming flax-fed beef is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and has anti-inflammatory properties.
The main benefit of flax-fed beef is the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids it contains. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for human health, but the body does not produce them; they must be consumed through the diet. Flaxseeds are one of the richest plant-based sources of omega-3s, and consuming flax-fed beef can help to increase the intake of these essential nutrients.
Along with the health benefits of flax-fed beef, the practice has many environmental advantages. Flax is a relatively low-input crop that requires minimal amounts of water and fertilizer, and it can be grown on a wide range of soil types. This makes it a sustainable and environmentally-friendly feed option for cows, which is an excellent fit for regenerative operations.
At Pumpkin Creek Ranch, we grow our flax and mix it with the finishing ration (which includes oats and barley, to name a few). This enables us to mimic the same great nutrition of 100% grass-finished beef without having the lean, gamey taste typical with whole grass diets.