Tallgrass Beef Jerky
I can't eat most regular beef jerky anymore, because most of it has enough hidden MSG to leave me hurting.
This situation isn't one that leaves me happy. I loved beef jerky before I developed an MSG sensitivity.
Enter the FamilyFarmed.org expo last weekend in Chicago. Tallgrass Beef Company had representatives there. More importantly, Tallgrass had 2-ounce packages of beef jerky there.
Tallgrass, which was founded by newsman Bill Kurtis, raises beef in such a way that you don't have to feel guilty about tearing into a steak.
The cows are grass-fed and grass-finished. They aren't fed antibiotics or animal byproducts, and they aren't given hormones. You know the horror stories about cows being fed drugged-up beef and being shot full of bovine growth hormone? It's not happening at Tallgrass in Kansas.
The beef jerky contains that great beef, sea sale, garlic, spices and flavorings. I mowed through an ounce in a woefully short time and didn't have an MSG reaction, so "flavorings" isn't a code word for badness here.
The flavor is so good, you'll think there has to be something bad. It's that great chunky, flaky, dry jerky that tears like real beef. You get hit with the smoky flavor, then the beef flavor, then the pepper flavor. Delightful.
You can order from their huge menu -- there's more thank jerky -- online. Right now, there are deals to be head. You get 50 percent off shipping during the holidays, and the beef jerky is on sale right now. Because of the sale, a two-ounce package will run you $4.99, a four-ounce package $6.99. I'm frugal and I still think it's worth it.
Alternatively, you can order Tallgrass Beef through Peapod grocery delivery service.
Or head to Tallgrass Restaurant (no relation) at 1006 S. State St. in Lockport. They serve Tallgrass Beef Co.'s meat so you can try it from an expert chef.
If the goodness of beef isn't enough to make you try it, consider the benefits of a carnivore's life. Lately, we haven't been eating much meat because of the cost and the economy. I mowed through Tallgrass' beef jerkey on Tuesday night, having a single serving at 1 gram of fat (no saturated or trans fat) and 70 calories. From it, I got 8 percent of my daily iron.
How much iron is that? When I went to donate blood Wednesday morning, I was worried
about being deferred for low iron. It's happened before and with our low-meat diet, it was a real risk. They checked my blood. It was far above and beyond the iron requirements, thanks to Tallgrass. Because of that jerky, I was able to donate a pint of blood. That means Tallgrass beef jerky saves lives. Grin.
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