Partnership Brings Seasonal Grass-fed Beef to Local Store

A Word Exclusive

“Oh man! That is delicious. Oh the flavor! Now that’s good meat,” exclaims Ken, who works in the Whole Foods meat department, as he tries a piece of Hearst Ranch’s grass-fed beef. Whole Foods’ groundbreaking partnership with Hearst Ranch makes this savory meat available to the public. But come quickly because this seasonal grass-fed beef is only available for a limited time. “This is the way beef is supposed to taste and the way it’s supposed to be raised,” says Mike Hacaga, Regional Meat Coordinator for Whole Foods Southern Pacific Region.

With over 600 heads of cattle grazing the fields on each of Hearst Corporation’s two ranches, the 82,000 acre San Simeon Ranch surrounding the world famous Hearst castle, and the 73,000 acre Jack Ranch sixty miles inland, this seasonal beef is limited to just 11 Whole Foods Market locations in Southern California, including Santa Barbara, and will be available from June to August, or when quantities run out. However, as Hacaga explains, this new partnership is not a one-time deal. “We’re hoping to continue this partnership going year after year. There’s discussions already going into next year.” Hacaga adds that Whole Foods hopes to expand its Hearst Ranch grass-fed beef program to the entire Los Angeles metro area next year, which will include 20 Whole Foods stores. “But then again, we’re dealing with a small controlled operation so we will expand the program as we’re able to with the availability of additional beef animals.”

There is no doubt that both Hearst Ranch and Whole Foods are excited about the new partnership. But just what makes this partnership unique? “It’s a great fit for both companies. We share a lot of the same philosophies,” says Brian Kenny, Division Manager, Hearst Ranch Beef. “The idea of seasonality did not scare them [Whole Foods], that’s very unique in the meat business…working with Whole Foods, they wanted to buy all the beef that comes off those cattle, whole cattle shares, which is a great way for us to do business,” adds Kenny.

In a recent press release, Steve Hearst, Vice President and General Manager of Hearst Corporation’s Western Properties, is quoted as saying:

“The idea of bringing this fresh, locally raised, sustainable, grass-fed beef to Southern California makes so much sense. Whole Foods Market fulfills this vision in a very big way and I am thrilled.”

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So does this seasonal grass-fed beef live up to its hype? I got a chance to try the beef myself and I must confess, I have never tasted meat so delicious. There was virtually no fat on it. The piece of top sirloin was so juicy and tender, and had the very distinct flavor of grass. Born and raised at the Hearst Ranches where the cattle range free and graze solely on the grasses that grow there, “what you end up with is a product that has a different fat structure than conventional beef. The muscles are a little bit smaller, the cattle are a little bit smaller, they don’t get as big as fast, but it also has a much different flavor. The Grass-fed beef from Hearst Ranch has a little zestiness to it,” explains Kenny. Hearst has said that “for people who love a good steak, they will be able to readily savor the difference. It is the authentic flavor of the American West.”

With the introduction of this local seasonal Grass-fed Beef, Whole Foods and Hearst Ranch are reaching out to foodies and enthusiasts of quality meat everywhere to explore the exceptional taste, texture and health benefits of this meat. “When beef is raised right they’re being given ample amounts of space. So it’s very important to allow a proper amount of space for an animal that’s being raised without antibiotics or added hormones for the health of the animal and the optimal performance of it,” says Hacaga. “It’s raised slowly so that in return you’re getting a very unique flavor, it’s very flavorful, it’s very tender, and is truly a very unique eating experience.”

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Hearst Ranch Grass-fed Beef will be sold at the following Whole Foods Market locations: Glendale, Pasadena (Arroyo and Pasadena stores), Porter Ranch, Santa Barbara, Sherman Oaks (East and West stores), Tarzana, Thousand Oaks, Valencia, and Woodland Hills.

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Copyright 2011 Black Velvet Productions

Hearst Ranch Grass-fed Beef has earned an impressive rating of 4 from the Global Animal Partnership 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating program, meaning the cattle have been raised on a pasture with no antibiotics, added growth hormones, or animal by-products. To learn more about the 5-Step rating download the booklet by clicking here.

Check out this video to get a peek at this delicious meat.

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EVENT ALERT: Whole Foods and Hearst Ranch will be hosting the Customer Appreciation Sampling Event June 30 from 12 noon to 2PM at Whole Foods Market in Santa Barbara located at 3761 State Street. The event is free with live music and a chance to try Hearst Ranch seasonal Grass-fed beef.

Continue reading for a special post script article on Hearst Wine. Simply click on READ MORE below.

HEARST WINE

It goes without saying that a good piece of meat needs to be accompanied by a good glass of wine. The Hearst Ranch Winery has come out with a line of wines to compliment your meal whether it be poultry and fish, or beef. I am by no means a wine connoisseur but I do appreciate a great glass of wine, and Hearst wine has exceeded my expectations. I had the opportunity to taste three of the Hearst wines: the 2008 Three Sisters Cuvée Red Wine, the 2009 “Glacier Ridge” Chardonnay, and 2009 “Julia” Sauvignon Blanc. All three are now available at Whole Foods Market Southern Pacific Region.

I have to say that The Three Sisters is now my favorite red wine to compliment my Grass-fed beef. This wine won a gold medal at the Los Angeles International Wine Tasting, and has a very pleasant aroma with a slight hint of sweetness. Also noticeable was the presence of vanilla, which leaves a great testament to the richness of this wine. The “Glacier Ridge,” gold medal winner at the Central Coast Wine Classic, also has a hint of vanilla and it was sweet, tangy, and citrusy although not overpowering at all. It was a real pleasure drinking this wine without the accompaniment of a meal. Equally as good is the 2009 “Julia,” which won a gold medal at the Central Coast Wine Classic, and has hints of lemon, grapefruit, and gooseberry. This wine is a great fit for any occasion that is sure to appeal to the most common of palettes for its sensual flavor and aroma.

“The beauty of the three wines that we brought in is that they pair really well with just about anything you can get at Whole Foods.” –Brian Kenny

Copyright 2011 Black Velvet Productions

Watch Brian Kenny, Division Manager Hearst Ranch Beef, explain more about these wines’ tasting profile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Special thanks to: Steve Hearst, VP/GM Hearst Western Properties; Cliff Garrison, Ranch Operations Manager