What Should I Consider When I Buy Venison?

An individual who wants to buy venison should first consider the meat's flavor, which might not suit the diners' tastes. Buyers should also consider the diners' dietary preferences or belief systems, as certain types of venison might be prohibited by some religions. Meat cuts should be another consideration, as they can dictate the overall quality of the dish; some cuts are better-suited than others for certain recipes. The source, freshness, and price of the meat should all factor into the decision to buy venison.

People who buy venison often choose it for its flavor, which is similar to beef, but slightly gamy. Some types of venison might taste gamier than others; deer meat, for example, is usually gamier than elk meat. The flavor might be unappetizing to certain individuals, so buyers should take note of each diner's personal food preferences. These preferences might involve personal or religious beliefs; some types of venison, for example, are not considered kosher and, therefore, prohibited by many practitioners of Judaism. If any of the diners has reservations about eating the meat, individuals are better off not buying venison.

Different cuts are required for different types of venison dishes; steaks have their own specific cuts, while roasts require larger portions of meat. Ground venison should be purchased if the buyer is looking to make sausages. The cut of the meat can significantly impact the dining experience: the amount of fat marbled in the meat, the cut's thickness, and the part of the animal from which the meat was taken all factor into the flavor.

Individuals looking to buy venison should also consider where the meat comes from. Venison should ideally come from farms that adhere to internationally-acknowledged health standards. The country from which the meat is acquired can also affect its flavor, as the animals' diets are dependent on the present vegetation.

As with any meat purchase, individuals should ascertain the meat's freshness when they buy venison. Buyers should always ask when a particular stock of venison was delivered to the butcher and for how long the meat will be at top-quality. Individuals should always check the meat for possible signs of spoilage; meat that has odd discoloration or a rancid smell should not be purchased. The final considerations when buying venison are the amount needed and the respective price. Buyers should purchase a little over the amount of meat needed by the recipe in order to get the most value for their money.