have a strong pork smell, and that’ s because they sit next to the gut of the pig in the body. According to Siliezar, all you need to do is take the ribs out of the package, wipe them off with a damp paper towel, and let them breathe for 10 minutes. The smell will disappear, and you’ ll be ready to season and cook them.
Environmental and Ethical Ramifications
Another one of the perks of choosing a butcher shop is that they can answer questions about where the meat came from and how it was raised. A lot of butchers get their products from area farmers and ranchers, which means your meat travels fewer miles and thus leaves a lower carbon footprint. Shopping locally also supports sustainable food practices and helps stimulate the local economy( see our story“ The Ripple Effect of Local Spending” on page 10), all of which contribute to helping you feel better about what you’ re buying.
Specialty Products and Other Benefits
Butcher shops are also a good place to find unique and hard-to-find cuts like alligator, quail, venison, and duck that aren’ t typically available in your neighborhood grocery store. So, if there’ s something new or special you’ re curious to try, your butcher is a great resource. A quality butcher shop like Findley’ s also carries a selection of housemade products, such as sausages, dips, stocks, jerky, and everything you need for the ultimate charcuterie board, as well as heat-and-eat items like gumbo, Brunswick stew, and mac and cheese.
Like your steaks cut super thick? Have only yourself to feed and wish ground beef came in a half-pound size? No worries, your butcher can provide you with not only what you want, but how you want it.
Some butcher shops not only sell meat, they also process it. Findley’ s
owner David Widaski, an avid hunter, insisted that Findley’ s have its own meat processing facility, which processes deer, hogs, and other wild game.
Competitive Prices
As far as price comparisons go, you’ ll probably pay a little more than you would at the grocery store, but that’ s because you’ re buying a better-quality product. A lot of butcher shops offer packages and bulk deals so you can stock your freezer with enough meat to feed you for the next few weeks or months, saving you money in the long run. The option of having your butcher shop vacuum seal the meat extends its shelf life even more. As long as the seal is uncompromised, most products can last in the freezer for up to two years, says Siliezar.
The End Result
From the expert advice and top-quality products to the opportunity to support a local small business, a visit to the local butcher shop can elevate both your meals and your shopping experience. No bones about it.
Findley’ s Butcher Shop
151 W. Main St., Cartersville, GA 30120( 770) 334-8755 | mygourmetsteaks. com
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