Tasty, tender, and healthy, bison meat is quickly becoming a staple food in homes across the country. Kids and adults alike are eating this tasty meat every day, from bison burgers at barbecues to bison sausage for breakfast. But what is bison meat, and why is it becoming so popular?.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about bison meat, including how it tastes and why you should eat it often. Let’s dive in!.
Ground bison has been gaining popularity as a lean nutrient-rich alternative to beef. But with its unique qualities you may wonder what ground bison smells like compared to other meats.
When you first open a package of ground bison, you’ll likely notice a slight metallic odor. This is caused by the iron in the meat reacting with air. However, this smell is temporary and does not affect the actual taste.
The Appearance and Smell of Fresh Ground Bison
Fresh ground bison has a deep, rich red color due to its abundant iron content. The iron gives it a temporary metallic smell when exposed to air However, this smell should dissipate quickly.
Ground bison has a mildly sweet, meaty aroma when fresh. There should be no unpleasant or sulfur-like odors, which can indicate spoilage.
If the meat smells tangy, sour or putrid, it has likely gone bad from increased bacteria growth. Spoiled ground bison will also have an unappetizing flavor.
Why Bison Meat is Unique
Compared to beef, bison offers a leaner, healthier alternative:
- Lower in saturated fat and calories than beef
- High in protein, iron, zinc, selenium and B vitamins
- Rich, sweet flavor unlike any other red meat
- Complete protein containing all essential amino acids
- Anti-inflammatory conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
The open-range diet of prairie grasses gives bison a lighter, more subtle taste than feedlot-raised beef. It has a hint of grassiness without being gamey.
While some bison are grain-finished pre-slaughter to add fat, this is often required for meeting industry standards. Grain-finishing alters the healthy fat profile that makes bison distinct from beef.
How Smell Indicates Meat Freshness
Smell is an important indicator of freshness with meat. While fresh ground bison is odorless, spoiled bison develops a strong, unpleasant scent.
Spoilage bacteria naturally present in the meat produce foul odors and tastes as they rapidly multiply. These bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments.
Not all spoiled meat smells the same. It can have rancid, pungent, sweet or metallic odors. Always be suspicious of any odd smells from meat.
In addition to smell, slimy texture and unnatural colors signify spoiled ground bison. Fresh ground bison has a slightly coarse texture and deep red color.
Signs that Ground Bison has Spoiled
Watch for these signs that ground bison has gone bad:
- Strong, unpleasant sour, rancid or putrid smell
- Slimy, sticky texture instead of slightly coarse
- Unnatural colors like brown, green or gray
- Mold spots or film on the meat
Consuming spoiled ground bison can cause food poisoning and acute symptoms like vomiting, fever and diarrhea. Always rely on your senses to determine safety before eating it.
Refrigerated ground bison should be used within 3-4 days. For freezer storage, ground bison keeps 4 months while larger cuts last 6-9 months.
Proper Storage for Ground Bison
Follow these tips to keep ground bison fresh for as long as possible:
- Refrigerate below 40°F in the back
- Use within 2 days of purchase
- Freeze for longer storage up to 12 months
- Seal tightly in freezer bags or wrap in freezer paper
- Defrost in fridge overnight in packaging
- Separate raw bison from other foods
- Disinfect surfaces after handling
- Cook thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature
Storing ground bison properly ensures it stays safe to eat while retaining its flavor and texture. Always inspect for signs of spoilage before consuming previously frozen or refrigerated bison.
Is That Smell Normal?
A slight metallic smell from iron content is normal with fresh ground bison. But foul, sour or slimy meat should be discarded. Trust your senses to determine if ground bison is still fresh or has spoiled.
While its unique qualities take some getting used to, properly handled bison is a tasty, nutrient-packed alternative to traditional red meat. With proper storage and preparation, ground bison makes a delicious addition to patties, chili, tacos, meatballs and more.
What Does Bison Taste Like?
If you think about the best steak or burger you’ve ever had, bison meat tastes just as good. It tastes similar to beef but has a slightly sweet undertone that sets it apart. Unlike some specialty meats, bison is not gamey, and it’s incredibly tender no matter how you prepare it.
Speaking of preparation, this premium red meat is also easy to cook, regardless of your experience level. We like to season ours with salt and pepper – there’s no need to marinate!.
Numerous Cuts for Every Dish
No matter the occasion or craving, there’s a bison meat cut that’s sure to please. At Buck Wild Bison, we offer a variety of options, including:
We also offer a range of high-quality bison steaks, such as filet mignon, flat iron steak, petite tender, skirt steak, tri-tip, and more. If you can’t decide, try one of our bundles. That way, you can try a few different things and pick the ones you like best.
How can I tell if my meat’s gone bad?
FAQ
Is ground bison supposed to smell?
Why does my ground bison smell like eggs?
What does bad buffalo meat smell like?
What does bison taste like?
It tastes similar to beef but has a slightly sweet undertone that sets it apart. Unlike some specialty meats, bison is not gamey, and it’s incredibly tender no matter how you prepare it. Speaking of preparation, this premium red meat is also easy to cook, regardless of your experience level.
What does bison meat look like?
Bison meat might look like a fancier type of beef, but it’s actually very different from what you’d think. If you want to learn more, check out this guide!
Does bison meat taste good?
Plus, thanks in part to its tender nature, bison meat also tends to be less gamey than many other types of meat that you’ll find, especially specialty meats that bison is often sold alongside. Does It Taste Good? Taste is a subjective subject that everyone is going to have different takes on their favorite foods.
Why is bison meat darker than other types of meat?
Bison meat is generally a little darker, thanks in part to the smaller amount of fat overall, as well as being a little sweeter for the same reason. Plus, thanks in part to its tender nature, bison meat also tends to be less gamey than many other types of meat that you’ll find, especially specialty meats that bison is often sold alongside.