ABOUT BISON

The Bison was the center of life and spiritual culture for the Plains Indians. The bison was a symbol of strength and unity. Not only did they eat the meat but every part of the animal had a purpose or use. The furry hide kept them warm in the winter and its dung was used as fuel for fires. The bones were carved into needles and knives, and the horns made excellent cups and spoons. Even their tails were used for swatting flies.

The relationship lasted for thousands of years. It only took a few decades of massive slaughter to leave the bison nearly extinct. The majority of the killings took place between the 1830’s and 1860’s as wagon trains carted off hides to be used in the production of clothing and belts. US Government officials also promoted the destruction of the bison in order to control their Native American enemies. The military was ordered to kill the bison in order to control the major food source of the Plains Indians.

Hundreds of thousands were slaughtered and by the end of the century, under a thousand remained.

Theodore Roosevelt convinced Congress to establish a number of wildlife preserves. By 1929, 3,500 animals were counted. At the same time, ranchers began to realize the economic potential of Bison and helped rebuild the public and private herds. Herd levels are higher in the last 100 years and growing.

Bison is considered a highly nutrient-dense food (the proportion of protein, fat, minerals and fatty acids are high when compared to its caloric value.) When compared to other animals, the bison has a greater concentration of iron as well as other essential nutrients. A 6 ounce bison steak can have as much as 100 calories less than a steak from a grain fed steer. You could lose up to 10 pounds a year by switching to Bison!

Since bison spend most of their lives on grass, they are not subject to drugs, hormones or chemicals. Bison meat has a similar flavor to fine beef but slightly sweeter and richer in flavor. The popularity of bison is growing. In an obese society, there couldn’t be a better time for bison to make its comeback.

BISON FACTS AT A GLANCE

1. Buffalo is a misnomer. These magnificent animals are North American Bison.
2. Bison are no longer an endangered species. There are now well over 450,000 bison in North America.
3. Bison meat has fewer calories and less cholesterol than chicken, fish or ostrich.
4. Bison has 40% more protein than beef so you can eat 1/3 less volume and still come away satisfied.
5. Bison has much less fat than beef so that you get much more edible meat for your money.
6. Bison does NOT taste wild like game meats. It DOES taste like the finest quality beef that you remember from your childhood.
7. 7. Bison is the only red meat that is non-allergenic.
8. Bison are the only mammals not to contract cancer.***
9. Bison was the main diet of the Plains Indians who:
• Never had cancer
• Never had heart disease or heart attacks
• Lived to be 85 or 90 years old and, scientists speculate, would have lived to be 125 with adequate dental care
10. Eating 5 oz of bison, 3-4 times per week can help most people reduce LDL cholesterol 40 to 45% over a 6 month period.
11. Bison can be used interchangeably with beef in most recipes so that you can enjoy all of your favorite dishes made with nature’s healthier food – Bison chili, Bison lasagna, Bison stew and even Bison pastrami.
12. Bison meats cook faster than beef because there is so much less fat in the meat to insulate it from the heat.