If you are used to getting your meat from the local grocery store, you may be curious as to why people would go out of their way to get meat from a butcher shop. Sure, this brings in some old-world charm that is a lot of fun and can inspire the imagination, but is the meat really that much better for you to enjoy?
There are a lot of benefits to visiting a local butcher shop the next time you need some high-quality meat. Some of these benefits include:
- Better Quality and Taste: When the quality and the taste of the meat is important, then going to the butcher shop is always the best option. If you have never gone to a local butcher, than stop by and order something. You will quickly notice a difference in the taste, even between the same cuts, when you compare to the grocery store. One taste and you won’t ever want to go back.
- Can save money: While individual cuts may be more expensive when you go to a butcher shop rather than to the grocery store, if you choose to purchase in bulk, you can actually save a lot of money. Butcher shops can offer different cuts and bulk rates depending on what you need.
- Your money goes to the community: When you purchase from a grocery store, the money goes to the CEO, who may not live anywhere near your area (most of them are high net worth). But when you purchase from a local butcher, your money goes to the local community. This can help enhance your area and promotes small business owners around you.
- Better selection: Your local butcher shop will provide you with a better selection than you can find at the local grocery store. They will have more options and can sell stuff that may not go as quickly at a grocery store. Grocery stores try to find what will sell the most for many customers, which can cut down on what you can purchase. A butcher has more options available.
- Unique cuts: There are some cuts of meat that the grocery store may not be able to sell. The market for them may be too small or they may not have the right permits to sell them. This is different with a local butcher, who is able to go through and get some of the cuts that are unique so you can try something new or find a cut that you have been searching for.
When you are looking for a local butcher who will provide you with the best cuts of meat at affordable prices, and with the best customer service, then don’t forget to stop at The Piggery in Ithaca, NY. This butcher shop brings in some of the best in old-world charm with many different cuts of meat and some of the best options around. Stop getting your meat from the grocery store and worrying about the preservatives or time on the shelf and order it fresh from The Piggery today.
Post written by Roberta Walker. She is a frequent contributor to Investopedia, Serious Eats, and Dominion.