Venison
Our venison is sourced from family-owned farms in New Zealand, where all deer are free-ranging and humanely raised with zero hormones or additives. The resulting meat is hearty, rich and tender, yet it's leaner and much healthier than other meats. Overnight delivery is available!
Buy venison meat online from Gourmet Food Store, delivered to your door in chilled packaging for utmost freshness. Order from any of our delicious cuts available, including venison strip loins, ribs, flank, medallions, and more.
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Red Deer Venison Burgers
from New Zealand
by Broadleaf
From New Zealand red deer, these lean, juicy burger patties are rich in protein and low in fat, making them the healthy choice come grilling season.
4.8(5 reviews)
Axis Venison Osso Bucco
from United States
by Maui Nui
More tender than beef more flavorful than chicken, our Venison Osso Bucco provides a culinary experience unlike any other.
Venison Strip Loin, Full
from New Zealand
by Broadleaf
Tender and flavorful our strip loin is a versatile cut you can fabricate into anything from medallions and fillets to whole roasts!
Axis Venison Shanks, Bone In
from United States
by Maui Nui
Fall apart tender and incredibly flavorful; these bone in venison shanks are about to be your new favorite cut.
Axis Venison Shortloin, Boneless
from United States
by Maui Nui
Four times more tender than beef, our venison short loin is an excellent example of just how good game meat can be!
What is Venison?
Alright, let’s talk venison – the fancy term for deer meat that’s taking the gourmet world by storm. Although any of the pretty deer you see on the side of the road is venison, ours comes from New Zealand, where it is raised in rolling green pastures.
If you’re tired of the usual beef and chicken routine, this is your ticket to a new and elevated menu option. Smaller than the regular American deer, and milder in flavor, this lean, tender meat is full of a rich, mild flavor that’s totally unique and that we love to eat!
Different Cuts
Just like beef, it's available in different cuts and presentations, bringing something special to the table:
- Tenderloin: The MVP of cuts – super tender and perfect for grilling or pan-searing.
- Rib Chops: Packed with flavor, these are best cooked to a juicy medium-rare.
- Haunch (Leg): Great for roasting or slow cooking – think hearty and flavorful.
- Shoulder: Perfect for slow-cooked dishes like stews and braises – gets melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Ground: Super versatile – awesome for burgers, meatballs, or adding a twist to your favorite sauces. Just add your favorite seasoning for falvor.
- Sausage: one of our favorite meats to add to sausages! Especially paired with wine and sweet fruit.
- Shank or Osso Buco: the meaty and flavorful leg.
- Medallion Steak: delicious round cuts. Great when wrapped in bacon!
So, what makes venison so special? It’s really a combination of things. On the one hand, it’s the ultimate healthy protein, much leaner than your typical meats, meaning less fat and calories but still high in protein. It’s quick cooking, but also suitable for longer concoctions like stews for and slow-cooker. When looking for a wine pairing, go with bold choices like Syrah, Merlot and Petit Verdot.
Pricing
Yes, New Zealand venison can be a bit pricier, but it’s worth its price. Its limited availability and the care taken in managing deer populations add to its value. It comes from ethical and sustainable farms, ensuring top-notch quality and animal welfare. You’re paying for a meticulous process that guarantees only the best makes it to your plate and that reflects on the cost per pound. This is one of our most popular items, so check back during our weekly sale.
Health Benefits & Nutrition Facts
This isn’t just a treat for your taste buds – it’s also a win for your health. It’s packed with protein, helping you build and repair tissues. Plus, it’s lower in fat and calories compared to beef and pork, making it a great option if you’re watching your diet. And let’s not forget the vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, iron, phosphorus, and zinc – all of which keep your body running smoothly. While cooked and cured venison like jerky can be stored at room temperature, store raw meat in the fridge or freezer at all times.
Origin and History
Venison has a pretty cool history, especially in Europe and North America. Back in medieval Europe, it was a staple at noble feasts and royal banquets, symbolizing wealth and privilege. In North America, it has long been part of indigenous cuisine, with Native American tribes relying on deer as a vital food source. Today, it continues to be celebrated in gourmet kitchens around the world for its unique flavor and culinary versatility.
The Difference Between Venison and Beef
While they’re both red meats, they differ significantly in almost everything, including taste, texture, and nutritional profile. Venison is leaner and has a more pronounced flavor compared to the milder taste of bee, unless the latter is purely grass-fed. Its lower fat content means it requires careful cooking to prevent drying out, and could often use a marinade or slow cooking techniques. Nutritionally, it offers higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals while being lower in calories and fat, making it a healthier choice.
Venison Questions And Answers
Q:What is Venison?
A:It refers to the red meat derived from deer.
Q:What Does Venison Taste Like?
A:Rich and slightly sweet, while Cervena or New Zealand venison, is milder than its gamier American counterpart.
Q:Is it Healthy?
A:Yes, it’s a super healthy option! It’s really high in protein, very lean and low in fat, and rich in essential vitamins and minerals like iron and B vitamins.
Q:Is Venison Red Meat?
A:Yes, venison is classified as a red meat, same as beef, lamb, and pork. It shares the same red color and nutritional properties typical of red meats.