The quest to find the perfect cut of Dexter beef in Northern Ireland can be an arduous one. With the demand for local, high quality, grass-fed beef increasing in the area, local ranchers, farms, and butchers have stepped up to provide the goods. However deciding where to buy can be tricky. Here’s a guide to the best places to purchase top quality Dexters.
Wrights of Broughshane
This family business is the biggest processor of Dexter Beef in Northern Ireland. The Broughshane based company deals with all type of Dexter beef, from mince and burgers to roasts and steaks. Wrights has invested in technology to grade beef using a system which scans the back of each animal that comes onto their premises. This assures customers of the highest quality, as ten independent cameras take pictures of each animal, grading the beef according to a scientific formula to provide consistently high quality Dexter meat.
The staff at Wrights are passionate about the work they do and understand the importance of the customer getting the best product they can. They are always willing to answer any questions customers may have in regards to the product, and are happy to assist in understanding the Dexter breed and why the meat tastes so great.
Ballygrainey Farm Meats
Ballygrainey Farm Meats is run by two generations of the same family and is one of the most traditional Dexter beef farms in Northern Ireland. They source all of their Dexter beef from local farms and have a reputation for offering quality products at reasonable prices. Their team of knowledgeable butchers have been handling and preparing meats for decades and have a passion for providing the finest produce.
Unlike the industrialised processes used by other suppliers, Ballygrainey has kept traditional techniques alive. Their Dexter beef is hand-cut and aged to perfection in their aging room for a minimum of 14 days to ensure tenderness and flavour. They offer a wide variety of Dexter beef cuts, from steaks and roasts to burgers and mince.
McCoys Butchers Armagh
Located in the centre of Armagh City, McCoys Butchers offers customers the chance to buy the best Dexter beef available. With traditional wet-aged in-house, they guarantee a cut of meat that’s as fresh as it can be. McCoys works hard to ensure that their customers are only getting the highest quality cuts and strive to source their Dexter beef exclusively from farms in Northern Ireland. They only purchase from farmers who have adhered to strict practices- such as high-specification grass feeding and seven-day aging- to guarantee the beef’s freshness and flavor.
Priding themselves on their excellent customer service and traditional methods, the butchers here have a deep knowledge of Dexter beef and are more than willing to answer any questions a customer may have. The butchers also have a selection of recipe ideas and cooking tips that customers are free to inquire about.
Online Options
If customers can’t find what they’re looking for in traditional butcher shops and farms, one of the best online retailers for Dexter beef is Dexter Meats. This online wholesaler offers online ordering and delivery of grass-fed Dexter beef to any location in the UK. The website boasts its own online butchers who are on hand to advice customers on the best cuts and assist in any way possible.
They offer a variety of cuts of Dexter beef including steaks, mince, roasts and more, as well as a range of burgers. All the meat is locally sourced from farms in the UK, including Northern Ireland, and all deliveries arrive cold-packed in polystyrene boxes.
Farmers Markets
Another great option for finding Dexter beef in Northern Ireland is the local farmers markets. You’ll find a variety of suppliers at these markets, each offering different cuts and quality of Dexter beef. It’s important to ask questions and find out where the meat is from, what type of feed the animals have eaten, and how long the meat has been aged. This way you can make an informed decision about the supplier and ensure you’re getting the best quality possible.
Aside from the butcher stalls, some vendors also have a range of rare breeds of cattle for sale, including Dexters. These cattle are usually home-raised and grass-fed which makes for an especially delicious and tender product. Prices can vary depending on the vendor, so make sure to compare prices before committing to a purchase.
Wild Game
While not widely known, it is possible to purchase Dexter wild game too. Some specialty shops and butchers in Northern Ireland sell a variety of wild game meat, including the rare and delicious Dexter venison. This venison is free-range and 100% grass-fed, giving it an intense and unique flavour unlike farm-raised Dexter beef. Because this meat is not as widely available, it can be on the more expensive side, but for those who love game meat, it’s worth the extra price.
No matter where in Northern Ireland you live, your search for Dexter beef should be easy and successful. With a variety of options, from local farmers and butchers to speciality shops and online retailers, you can rest assured that you’ll find the cut of Dexter beef you’ve been looking for easily.
Storage and Preparation
Like all types of beef, Dexter beef must be stored and prepared properly in order for it to be enjoyable. To keep the meat fresh, wrap it in air-tight packaging or cling film when storing in the fridge. If you plan on keeping it in the freezer, wrap it tightly in foil and then place in a freezer bag. Once you’re ready to cook, give the cuts of meat some time to come up to room temperature and then pat them dry before seasoning with your favorite herbs and spices.
Cook times and temperatures for different cuts of Dexter beef will vary, so make sure to check the recommended times and temperature for your specific cut before cooking. Most steaks can be enjoyed rare or medium-rare, while roasts are best when cooked slowly on a low heat. For those who are more experienced with cooking Dexter beef, experimenting with different recipes and cooking techniques can help unlock the full flavour potential of the beef.
Alternatives
If you’re unable to find Dexter beef in Northern Ireland, there are several alternatives you can try. Both Aberdeen Angus and Hereford beef are similar in flavor and texture to Dexter beef and can be found in many shops and butcher shops in the region. Charolais beef is a bit more expensive, but it’s another popular beef breed and is well known for its tenderness and flavor. Lastly, Wagyu beef, a Japanese beef breed, is the most expensive and decadent of the alternatives but is worth trying if you’re looking for something to impress.
Benefits of Dexter Beef
Dexter beef has many benefits that make it a great option for anyone looking for high-quality beef. The breed has a natural marbling that gives it exceptional flavor when cooked, and due to the Dexter’s small size, the cuts of meat are generally smaller and more tender than most other beef breeds. Dexters are also naturally fattier than other breeds, which makes them higher in healthy fats and more flavorful. Lastly, since Dexters are 100% grass-fed, their beef is free of hormones and antibiotics, making it a healthier choice for those looking to avoid these added chemicals.
Nutritional Profile
As previously mentioned, Dexter beef has a great nutritional profile due to its grass-fed diet. A single portion of cooked Dexter beef contains 420 calories, 26 grams of fat, 28 grams of protein, and 3.4 grams of iron. In addition, it’s a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and promote a healthy heart. It’s important to remember, however, that as with any high fat food, portion control is key.
Conclusion
Finding top quality Dexter beef in Northern Ireland can be a difficult task. With the right research and planning, however, it’s possible to find the perfect cut of Dexter beef to satisfy any craving. Now that we’ve covered the best places to buy, storage and preparation, as well as the numerous additional benefits that come with eating Dexter beef, you should have all the tools and information necessary to make the perfect purchase.
