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Why is Meat from Rare Breeds so Special?
The Breeds - Beef
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Traditional Aberdeen Angus – Beef from this Scottish breed is renowned but the best beef comes from the original British type – now one of our rarest breeds. To be savoured on the rare occasions it becomes available. [PHOTO]

Beef Shorthorn – Originally from the Scotch Shorthorn of Aberdeenshire, the Beef Shorthorn is a hardy breed. The Beef Shorthorn gives excellent tasting joints of beef, well marbled with fat, to ensure good cooking qualities. [PHOTO]

Belted Galloway (also Dun and White Galloway) – This breed from south west Scotland has a very distinctive white belt around the middle of its body and is a very old Scottish breed. Ideally suited to rugged terrain, the Belted Galloway is equally at home on quiet riverside meadows producing plenty of well marbled, excellent quality beef. The Dun and White types are colour variations. [PHOTO]

“A few days ago I ate a roast which I’d like to believe is the taste of beef to come. The meat was a rib of a rare British beast, a Belted Galloway. Cooked alongside it was a pretty splendid piece of Aberdeen Angus, but there was no contest. The Galloway had a silky texture and though it was dangerously red and rare, it was as tender as meat has any right to b, its juices keen and appetising” – Michael Batemen in the Independent on Sunday

British White - A white breed with black points, the British White produces good flavoured, marbled beef. [PHOTO]

Dexter – Originally from Ireland, where it thrived on rich or poor pasture alike, the Dexter, the smallest breed of cattle in Europe, is now kept in small numbers throughout the British Isles and produces sweet tasting, succulent and, well marbled, beef. [PHOTO]

Of Dexter beef – “It was quite simply the best beef I have ever tasted” – Aaron Patterson, Head Chef, Hambleton Hall, Leicestershire.

Gloucester – This old breed that remained in its native homeland for many decades is dark mahogany brown with a black face and black tipped horns. It has a ‘finchback’ marking of a white area along the spine, down the tail and into the underside. The meat is rightly highly acclaimed for its flavour and quality. [PHOTO]

Traditional Hereford – As the name suggests, this breed originated in Herefordshire and has influenced beef production throughout the world. The term ‘Traditional’ indicates that it is bred from purely British genes with no foreign influence. Famed for its adaptability to rich and poor pastures alike, the quality of this richly marbled beef is superb. [PHOTO]

Irish Moiled – A hornless breed from Northern Ireland it came close to extinction at one point but is now recovering well on the back of its high quality beef. [PHOTO]

Kerry – A small, horned, black breed originally from Ireland, the Kerry produces sweet, well-flavoured beef in small joints. [PHOTO]

Traditional Lincoln Red – Coloured deep-red, the Lincoln was developed to suit the local environment and farming systems. Good quality, well-marbled, succulent beef from animals of pure British descent. [PHOTO]

Longhorn – This most distinctive breed was brought to perfection by Bakewell. Its beef has been proclaimed by chefs and food writers and you will soon appreciate their enthusiasm for this delicious meat. [PHOTO]

Of Longhorn beef – “Oh wow! What a brilliant flavour. Gorgeous. It tastes almost American, as if it’s from a good quality American steakhouse” – Sue Lawrence, The Sunday Times.

Red Poll – A native of East Anglia, the Red Poll produces good quality meat which is succulent with good flavour. This early maturing hornless breed is suited to production in most parts of the country. [PHOTO]

Shetland – A tough and hardy crofter’s beast, the Shetland provides well flavoured, quality beef in small joints. [PHOTO]

White Park – White Park cattle are notably the oldest British breed of cattle being recorded in Celtic history. Producing a very lean but well marbled beef joint, the White Park is renowned for being the original “Sir Loin” having been knighted by King James I of England, King James VI of Scotland. Enjoy the unique superb flavour and succulence of this gamey beef. [PHOTO]

Watch out too for other products from these breeds such as quality home-made burgers and sausages, salt beef, oxtail etc. o

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