When buying meat, you have two choices: local butcher shops or the supermarket. Many opt for getting supermarket meat because they believe the products to be cheaper. It’s also more tempting to purchase all your meat at the supermarket because of its convenient location, and the fact that it saves you an extra trip that you’d need to make particularly to get your meat at a different site.

However, that extra trip is worth it; there are multiple reasons why going to the butcher’s might be the better option. Here are some of the benefits of getting your meat products from locally sourced butcher shops.

Respect for the Animals

Recognizing the importance of all life – including animals is vital. With local butchers, you can be comforted to know that they acknowledge that fact. Butchers work with meat, and as such, you can see the respect they have for the animals. They are well aware that the animal gave its life to feed and nourish us; therefore, they go to great lengths to ensure that no part of it is wasted. Butchers make every part of the creature into something we humans can use. The livelihood of butchers centers around these animals, so they make sure that none of it goes to waste. With a trusted local butcher, you can get locally-sourced and top-quality meats from the same animal, as opposed to what you might be getting from supermarkets – which might be different cuts from separate cows, pics, etc.

Additionally, local butcher shops provide better meat quality and selection. While supermarkets have wide and dazzling premises, that sums up their advantage. When you walk into a butcher shop, you will find premium cuts of meats that you won’t see at a supermarket. You are also given the guarantee that the meats have been ethically slaughtered, cut, and stored.

Meat Is a Butcher’s Business

Since meat is the center of the butcher trade, excellence is what butchers strive for. If you want someone who knows all the ins and outs of properly preparing, cooking, and storing meats, you want to get advice from your local butcher.

Butchers can offer you expert advice on cuts of meats that you may not be aware of and how to prepare and cook them. In addition to meat products, many butcher shops also offer recipe supplements for you to experiment in the kitchen and make tastier meals. These products include oils, kinds of vinegar, spices, and rubs, stocks, and more.

Helping the Local Community

When you support local businesses, you do your part in helping the local community – and this is especially true when purchasing your meat from local butcher shops. Butcher shops get their meat from local farmers, instead of the big meat distributors and manufacturers. The latter is typically where unethical meat practices tend to originate.

When consumers support local businesses such as farms and butcher shops, they can continue to give the community top-notch customer service by offering the best meat products from ethical and organic sources.

Consumers can make responsible buying decisions for the local community when they support local butcher shops. Buying from a local butcher rather than the big grocery store chain supports the local economy and at the same time, boosts the humanely-sourced meat trade.

Customer Service

Aside from helping boost the local economy, buying local has other incredible advantages: it lets you build a bond with your local butcher. If you’re not sure about what cut is best for the recipe, you want to try out, turn to a butcher shop staff. You can be sure to get some helpful tips from them. Also, if you need a specific type or cut of meat, or if you have any special requests, let your neighborhood butcher know.

Puts Things Into Perspective

Purchasing from local butcher shops will let you better understand where meat comes from. Butchers, with their exposure to meats and animals, recognize and appreciate the value of the trade. Also, if you are interested to know anything about the meats, don’t hesitate to ask your local butchers. They will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. With butchers, you’re not only acquiring better meats, but you’re also getting valuable and useful information about the industry. This knowledge will help put things into perspective and make you appreciate the food on the table.