Protein Spotlight: Regenerative Bison
Did you know… one of the most bioavailable (easily absorbed) protein sources is bison meat? — it’s rich in B vitamins, iron, zinc, and selenium! Additionally, bison meat is higher in protein and lower in fat than grass-fed beef, making it an excellent alternative for savory dishes.
One of my favorite recipes (featured on the right) is a bison burger made with brioche buns & topped with homemade honey mustard, tomato, onion, local greens, and raw cheddar. This recipe will be available to you soon through my cookbook Vital Foods!
Bison meat can even be used for chili, lasagna, burrito bowls, salad, and spaghetti, to name a few.
Looking for a regenerative bison source?
Check out Force of Nature: https://forceofnature.com/
The Role of Bison in Regenerative Farming:
If you are not familiar with regenerative farming, it is a practice that seeks to heal the land, increase biodiversity, and improve the health of the soil.
It’s funny to think that the majority of farming practices don’t promote this. However, modern farming practices often end up depleting the soil because they prioritize the mass production of livestock and crops. On top of this, harmful pesticides and chemicals are used, contributing to negative health effects in humans and nutrient-poor food sources. This emphasizes the need for greater farming education and integration of regenerative practices.
So…this is where bison come into play, as they are instrumental in healing the environment. According to We Care Wild (2024), a conservation organization, bison are keystone species that promote grassland health, facilitate soil aeration, replenish soil nutrients, and support microorganism growth.
With this, I believe consciously raising and consuming bison is a beautiful way to honor how our ancestors lived while also supporting local ranchers who are actively making a difference in our environment.
Resources
For more information regarding the nutrient content of bison meat, check out this source! https://draxe.com/nutrition/bison-meat/
https://wecarewild.org/bison-environmental-impact-and-the-need-for-conservation
Photography by Esther Otis