Buffalo Nutrition Benefits & Recipes

Buffalo Nutrition Benefits & Recipes is my way of trying to give information about this protein source. Indeed, if you have never had buffalo meat you are in for a treat. In fact, my family actually prefers buffalo to hamburger meat. 

Is there another name for Buffalo?

Bison or American Buffalo is the other names for Buffalo. In fact, Buffalo is indigenous to the United States of America and parts of Mexico. They were hunted and eaten, as well as found in the famed Aztec Montezuma’s zoo. (1) Buffalo has been eaten by humans since the Pre-Columbian era. During the 1800s buffalo were hunted almost to extinction. (2) Yellowstone National Park is one of the last places where wild buffalo roam.

Buffalo Nutrition Benefits & Recipes

Nutritional Value?

Bison is high in Selenium which has antioxidants that help prevent cellular damage from free radicals. (3)  Actually, Bison is an excellent way to naturally obtain zinc. Zinc helps supports the immune system to fight off colds, invading viruses, and bacteria. (4) Buffalo is high in B vitamins such as B6 and B2 and B12. B vitamins are essential for a healthy body. Bison also contains amino acid and folic acid. (5) In Fact, Bison is higher in vitamins A, D, E, and K than other meats. (9) Not to mention that according to the National Bison Association Buffalo and the USDA it is higher in fat and is a good source of omega 3’s and omega 6’s. Needless to say, it is also 26% higher in iron than Beef. (6)

Why Buffalo Meat?

Furthermore according to the USDA Buffalo is higher in protein, iron, and vitamin b-12 than pork, beef, chicken or salmon. (7) It contains fewer calories, fats, and cholesterol than pork, beef, chicken or salmon. Bison is one of the leanest meats with a high amount of protein. For nutritional comparison see the National Bison Association. Bison is regulated by the FDA and inspected by the USDA.

Is Buffalo Keto?

Yes, indeed buffalo is Keto as it has no carbs. (8)

Is Buffalo Paleo?

It is indeed. It is a good source of red meat not to mention vitamins and minerals. (11)

Is Buffalo GAPS diet-friendly?

Yes, again. It, in fact, buffalo bones make some of the best bone broth for gut health. (10)

What does Buffalo look like?

Buffalo is a deeper red in color and lacks marbling as it is low in fat. Moreover, buffalo tend to be grass-fed and normally are allowed more room to roam as opposed to cattle which tend to be raised in confined spaces. Buffalo is indeed the largest native North American animal. Not to mention that most buffalo meat is labeled “no hormones”, “no antibiotics” or “raised without antibiotics”. Incredibly, the bison live in a healthy environment similar to thousands of years ago. It is lean nutrient-rich meat, stress-free lifestyle, and protein-dense.

What does Buffalo taste like?

Not only is buffalo slightly sweeter than beef. In my humble opinion, there is no gamey taste or aftertaste as there is with other wild game. There is no oily or fatty taste as with beef and marbling. Notably, the texture and flavor are more pleasing to the palate. Because it has less fat it tends to cook slightly quicker. The mouthfeel of buffalo is pleasing.

Cost of Buffalo?

In fact, I have found buffalo at my local Costco and at local grocery stores as well as local Butcher Shop’s. Costco sells 2.5 lbs of buffalo for $19.99 making it about $8.00 per lb. In any case, it is worth investigating if there is a local buffalo rancher near you. Occasionally, Buffalo is on the menu at several local steakhouses and is becoming more common. It is comparable to grass-fed beef which is also “antibiotic-free” and “hormone-free”. Grass-Fed beef starts at $8.00 per lb. Interestingly enough there is an App called BisconFinder that is available on iTunes and Google Play for free. The App will help you find farms, ranches, restaurants, and local retailers of buffalo meat. And of course, you can always purchase it online. For more information with buying guides and recipes check out the National Bison Association.

Buffalo Nutrition Benefits & Recipes

Here are some of my favorite Buffalo recipes.

 Buffalo Pepperoncini Burgers

Horseradish Onion Buffalo Burgers

Keto Buffalo Meatloaf