There Really Is a BIG Difference Between Grassfed and Grass Finished Steak versus Grain-Fed)

The biggest difference between grassfed and grain fed beef is the way the cows are fed.

Grain-fed cows are typically fed a diet of corn and other grains, while grassfed cows are only fed grass and hay. This makes a big difference in the quality of the meat!

Grassfed beef is leaner than grain-fed beef, and it has a more complex flavor. Grass finished beef is even better, because the cows are allowed to eat grass until the very end of their lives. This makes the meat taste even better and is healthier for you, and is exactly what you'll find at Circle C Farm.

Grassfed beef is also higher in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for your health. Grain-fed beef is lower in omega-3 fatty acids and higher in unhealthy omega-6 fatty acids.

There are many benefits to consuming grassfed beef as opposed to grain-fed beef.

Grassfed beef is generally healthier for you, and it also tends to taste better than its grain-fed counterpart. If you want the very best quality of meat, aim for grassfed and grass-finished products.

Cows that are grass-fed their whole lives and never given grain or hormones lead happier, healthier, less-stressed lives. Because of this, the meat tastes so much better! The cows and other livestock at Circle C Farm live happily on Farmer Nicole's many acres of lush green pastures.

Aside from the taste, there are some health benefits, too! The fat in grass fed beef steaks contains higher levels of omega 3s and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). These acids have been linked to lowered rates of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Favorite Steaks from Circle C Farm Customers

Grass-fed Ribeye Beef Steak

A grass-fed ribeye steak is a cut of beef from the rib section. The steak is typically marbled with fat, which gives it a lot of flavor. Grass-fed ribeye steaks are a favorite among Circle C Farm customers because they are healthier than grain-fed beef and they taste great.

Best Way to Cook Grassfed Steak

Farmer Nicole says that searing a grassfed steak and then cooking it LOW AND SLOW, at 325F is the best way to ensure that the natural sugars caramelize on the surface. By keeping the muscle fibers from contracting too quickly, you'll allow all of the flavors to fully develop.

When grass-fed steaks are overcooked, they become rubbery, chewy, and dry due to the muscle fibers shrinking from exposure to high heat. Over-cooking is the number one error people make when preparing grass-fed beef. Remember, practice makes perfect!

These 5 Tips Will Help You to Cook the Perfect Steak Every Time

1. Cook Low and Slow

For grass-fed beef, cook at a lower temperature (around 50 F) for less time; grain-fed beef can be cooked longer since it's fattier. If you don't, the meat will dry out and become tough to chew, lacking flavor and nutrients. The more well-done your grass-fed beef is, the more Omega 3s are lost in cooking.

2. Get yourself a meat thermometer!

Even if you think you can tell when ordinary meat is done, it's harder to do so with leaner grass-fed beef. A meat thermometer will help make sure your food is perfect every time. Here are the internal temperatures people usually want for their grass-fed beef:

• Rare — 120F

• Medium Rare — 125F

• Medium — 130F

• Medium Well — 135F

• Well — 140F 

NOTE: For the perfect temperature, take the meat off ten degrees before it reaches your goal temp. It will continue to cook from the heat it's carrying, and resting for ten minutes will finish it off.

3. Start steaks at room temperature

This rule applies to all meats, but it's especially important for grass-fed beef. If you start your meat at room temperature, it will reach the ideal internal cooking temperature faster. Additionally, this gentler cooking method helps preserve the steak's juices and flavor.

4. Don’t Mess with Meat While It's Cooking

Avoid the temptation to poke steaks or roasts with forks or pat burgers down with spatulas. This lets all that delicious fat escape, giving you a less juicy end result.

5. Allow your meat to sit before cutting.

This is a BIG one, folks! Once you're done cooking the meat, give it at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows any juices that have escaped to redistribute back into the meat for more flavor.

Easy Recipe to Try at Home: 

GRASS-FED RIB-EYE STEAKS WITH BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE (Epicurious)

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

• 1/2 cup minced shallots

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more for steaks and grill

• 1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

• 2 tablespoons drained capers

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

• 4 3/4-inch-thick grass-fed rib-eye steaks

• 3 garlic cloves, pressed

• 4 teaspoons smoked paprika

• 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt

• 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

• In a small pan, heat vinegar over medium heat until it has reduced to 1/4 cup (6 minutes). Add shallots, 1/4 cup oil and crushed red pepper; allow it to simmer. Take the pan off of the heat; whisk in parsley, capers and thyme. Season vinaigrette with salt and pepper according to taste.

• In a small bowl, mix paprika, 2 teaspoons coarse salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper.

• Sprinkle the mixture on both sides of steaks that have been rubbied with oil and garlic.

• Let stand for at least 15 minutes (up to 1 hour) so the flavors can meld together.

• Coat your grill with oil to prepare it for cooking.

• Next, place your desired steak on the rack and wait until it is cooked through to your liking.

• Lastly, remove the steak from the heat and top with vinaigrette before serving. Enjoy!

Where to Buy 100% Grass Fed Beef Steak Online

Grass-fed beef is becoming more popular each year, as people learn about the health benefits of eating it. You can order grass-fed steaks online from Circle C Farm, a farm that specializes in providing this type of delicous meat.

Not only does Circle C Farm have a wide range of our beef ribeye or any other of our 100% grass-fed meats that exceed the organic standard, but you can also order online or come in and see us in Bonita Springs, Flordia.

Fastest Same Week Shipping For 100% Grassfed and Grass-finished Beef Ribeye Steak

Circle C Farm offers fast same week shipping so you can get your hands on the best ribeye steaks in no time. We know that you'll love our beef as much as we do, so order today and experience the Circle C Farm difference!