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.
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.