Winter gatherings are the perfect time to celebrate with a beautiful centerpiece at the dinner table. Seward Co-op has all of the classics like turkey, ham, brisket, and surf and turf options, many of which are local, small-scale, or sustainably sourced. For those looking for a little variety, or to try something new this holiday season, try some of the following specialty meats found in the Meat and Seafood department. Pre-order at least 72-hours in advance of your desired pickup time.
Celebrate the Holidays with Specialty Meats
Wild Acres Duck
Wild Acres has specialized in outdoor-raised domestic poultry and wild game birds for over 30 years. Along with raising free-range birds, they have incorporated environmentally-friendly practices on the farm, including on-site composting and sourcing, feed exclusively from local markets. Wild Acres whole ducks are great as an alternative to a chicken, and breasts are perfect for serving smaller groups. Don’t forget to score the duck skin before cooking to allow the mouthwatering fat to render out, which provides additional flavor, improves texture, and helps crisp the skin.
Lamb Shoppe Lamb
Since 1990, Hutchinson, Minn., based Lamb Shoppe has operated under the belief that caring for the earth from the soil up insures healthy plants for their animals. They practice sustainability with biological farming that works with nature to maintain quality of the soil for the 100% grass-fed lamb they raise on the farm. Lamb Shoppe legs or crowns of chops provide a beautiful presentation – and delicious flavor – on any holiday dinner table.
Eichten’s Ground Bison
Spice up the traditional crock pot full of meatballs by opting for ground bison! Eichten’s has been raising free-range, hormone and antibiotic-free bison for over three decades. The herd eats pesticide- and herbicide-free native grasses and organic grains that ensure a great, slightly sweet flavor. Bison is tender, very lean, and can easily be swapped out for beef in recipes that call for it.
Peterson Craftsman Meats Oxtail
Multigenerational family farm Peterson Craftsman Meats raises local, heritage-bred livestock in the St. Croix valley. Their regenerative farming practices include improving soil ecosystems through cell grazing, crop rotation, and pasture-based livestock. Try their oxtail in a Caribbean-inspired stew for a main course that is perfectly spiced and hearty on a cold winter night. Cooked to fall-off-the-bone tenderness, the succulent pieces of meat spooned over rice feels like comfort in a bowl this holiday season.
