Pasture Prime

I’m in the restaurant biz, and have a passionate interest in high quality sustainable meats. Found these guys online and had a trip to Tampa planned, so thought I’d take a drive up to see for myself what the excitement was all about.
The quality of the pork is pretty amazing — we bought both the Mangalitsa as well as the Berkshire in a variety of cuts, and the flavor of both is pretty fabulous. Lots of fat on the Mangalitsa, but fat is flavor, so no problem for me. The Heritage chicken (sold whole) looked more pink than your average chicken, and that fat was white rather than yellow — it just looked healthy. After roasting, it smelled and tasted delicious, more chicken-​y in flavor than your typical organic, air-​chilled chicken. Significantly better, and I used my regular roasted chicken recipe. The prices aren’t cheap, but the quality is notably better than what I can buy here in Atlanta, from Whole Foods or anywhere else, enough so that I’ll air-​freight or go out of my way while driving to buy here again. I want to try so many more cuts next time — and the bacon, fresh eggs, and of course the Wagyu beef!

Here it is: The mecca of amazing local meats.
After extensive research, my mother found this farm, and inquired into a tour and a shopping excursion. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this trip, but the result of the shopping trip has basically changed the entire way I grocery shop now.
The arrival home of frozen meat was at first a little disconcerting. «Frozen meat? How can this possibly be good?» Give it a chance.
So as I’m the chef in the house, I was given a tenderloin to defrost (shudder) and then grill. After an unexpectedly short time of defrosting (I run it under cool water and then let it sit in a bowl), I was informed that not much seasoning was necessary, upon the advice of the farmers themselves. «Alright, now you’ve given me frozen meat that I can’t season? Something’s up here.» I’ll tell you what’s up… After a salt/​pepper sprinkle on each steak, a quick toss on the grill (medium-​rare! It’s the way to go!), I finally understood.
The meat is insanely rich, flavorful, and smooth on your palate. The little salt and pepper just made the beef shine. Grass-​fed beef had changed for me forever.
Then I got excited. They have chicken, pork, turkey, and soooo much beef!
I did finally get the opportunity to go to the farm (I’ve been twice now), and met part of the family that is doing such wonderful things with their animals. The animals at the farm are treated with respect, and almost a sense of reverence. The pigs and piglets are allowed to roam out in the trees, and have plenty of space to play and nap (which is exceptionally important to pigs, and me). The cows have acres upon acres to chew on their grass, mosey around, and seem like the calmest cows in the world.
While other people might find it disturbing to meet animals that they may end up eating later, it was kind of reassuring, now knowing that they really do come from a healthful environment.
We bought our first rib rack this past trip, (the package actually came with 2) and they were delicious. It was expensive, in fact, it’s all expensive, but the quality of the meat, the flavor of an all grass fed meat, is beyond the price.
Many of the high-​end restaurants at Disney World order their meat from here, so you know it’s good. Although, they do have more and more orders coming in! If you have the chance or time to go up to the farm, email them, and let them know you’re coming, obviously!
Everyone is always a delight, kind, and passionate. I can’t and will not buy meat anywhere else now.

Took a leisurely drive to the farm, actually right next door to «the villages». Not far at all from Orlando. Not only can you pickup your meat there, you can get a quick tour of the farm which is a highlight. I bought 3 pounds of ground beef and made the best burgers ever. The taste of grass fed is by far exceptional. The cost is comparable with any «organic beef» at the big boxes, but the taste is key!
I grabbed some pork chops as well but haven’t cooked those up yet.
Will definelty take another drive over.

Just got a delivery of their Mangalitsa pork chops & I don’t think they could be improved. Smaller than the industrial chops, they come individually wrapped with the bone in. I popped one into the pan it turned into the platonic ideal.
Unfortunately, with shipping, the price came to $ 36/​lb. It seems to be a rule that shipping meat doubles the purchase price. Nonetheless, I went back & ordered a batch of shoulder cuts. The quality’s that good.
I’ve also tried their wagyu beef NY strip. These turned out to be far leaner than I expected from wagyu. A few years ago I had some grass-​fed wagyu from New Zealand’s Pilot brand, rarely available here in the bay area, that had the marbling I expected but didn’t find in Pasture Prime’s steaks. The flavor was fine but the lack of fat really detracted from the experience.
The shipping far less wasteful than others I’ve used, like Snake River Farms. PP used newspaper padding rather than styrofoam peanuts, & dry ice rather than freezer gel packs. I wish the container were not styrofoam but don’t know an alternative. (So this guy’s buying $ 30 meat online & he’s prating about sustainability?!?)