What Is Scotch Beef?

Are you looking for beef that’s a cut above the rest? Looking for a brand you can trust that stands for top quality? Then look no further than Scotch beef.

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The Scots have given us many things for which to be thankful, including whisky and outstanding beef. But what is Scotch beef exactly? And what makes it so exceedingly good?

Read on to find out the answer.

 

What Is Scotch Beef?

Let’s clear one thing up straight away. Scotch beef is not the same as Scottish beef.

They may come from the same place, but Scotch beef has a whole set of values behind it. Only cattle raised and slaughtered according to the highest of standards can bear the Scotch beef label.

 

Protected Geographical Indication

What does Scotch beef have in common with beer from Munich and ham from the Ardenne? They all bear the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) designation from the EU. Scotch beef has proudly borne the designation since 1996.

This PGI scheme promotes foods that are more than just traditional. They are renowned for their excellent quality. Cattle that bear the PGI mark have spent all of their lives in bonnie Scotland.

Not only that, they have spent their lives in selected Scottish farms. Farms that practise the highest standards of welfare and production. This is regulated by the QMS Cattle & Sheep Assurance Scheme.

 

Understanding the QMS Cattle & Sheep Assurance Scheme

To fully understand the answer to the question ‘What is Scotch beef?’ you need to know something about the QMS Cattle & Sheep Assurance Scheme.

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) set guidelines on a wide range of matters. These include:

• Rearing of calves
• Approving feeds
• Livestock accommodation
• Transporting livestock
• Traceability
• Even the meat market must bear the ‘Scotch Assured Auction Market’ designation to be able to trade in Scotch beef.

These rigorous standards at every stage result in whole chain assurance. This allows retailers, chefs and consumers to know exactly what they’re getting.

The result is high quality, traceable beef, that was raised to the highest of standards.

 

Highest Standards of Welfare

To ensure the highest standards of welfare, the QMS carry out visits to farms. Accompanying them are representatives from the Scottish SPCA.

Animal welfare includes measures that ensure they have an enjoyable life. They even consider their stress levels. Farms must not hold cattle in large groups that could cause unnecessary stress.

They are able to spend their days grazing on lush green grass. Indoor accommodation must meet the highest standards of hygiene. When they are sent for slaughter, they must be in excellent health.

All of this is good for both the animals and the consumer. The animal has an enjoyable and healthy life, and you’ll be able to taste the difference on the plate.

 

Sustainable Beef Farming

Part of the work on the QMS is to ensure that the Scottish red meat industry continues to be sustainable.

The cattle actually contribute to the biodiversity of their habitat as they graze. Most farmers keep sheep and cattle, and this mix benefits the soil.

Most farming takes place in rural communities. Many of these communities depend on raising livestock for their continued survival. Currently, more than 50,000 people work in the Scotch beef industry.

Farming is in the blood of these rural communities. Families pass skills down through the generations. Raising cattle is a fine Scottish tradition, and continues to be central to the culture of these remote areas.

 

Only Prime Cattle

Not all cattle raised in Scotland are worthy to bear the Scotch beef logo. In fact, only those who meet very strict age criteria can do so.

The animal must be:

• Over 12 months old
• Under 48 months if it’s a heifer or a steer
• Heifers must not have had a calf
• A young bull must be under 16 months old

The result for the customer? You only get prime quality beef. No ifs, no buts.

 

Complete Traceability

The quality standards in place for Scotch beef mean there is complete traceability.

Farmers, meat markets and abattoirs are all able to determine the origin of cattle. This means that no cattle can be labelled Scotch beef that has not met these high standards.

 

Why It Matters to You

If you’re reading this article, you probably love your beef. But we all know, there’s beef, and there’s beef.

When buying beef, the amount of choice can be bamboozling. Beef options these days include grass-fed, organic, Wagyu… the list goes on. The Scotch beef logo simplifies matters for you.

It gives you a trusted brand to look out for. Now you know the rigorous standards in place, you can rest assured that you really are getting a top-quality, traceable, British product.

You have no concerns that the cattle were born and raised somewhere else and just finished in Scotland. Beef that bears the Scotch beef logo has spent every minute of its life in Scotland.

Do you live in other parts of the UK? You know that when your order Scotch beef online when it arrives at your door it’s the first time it has left Scotland.

Most importantly, you’ll taste the difference. Scotch beef cattle are able to graze on lush grass and native herbs. This gives a unique depth of flavour to the final product.

You’ll also notice that Scotch beef cuts are well-marbled. This means that they sear supremely well, and melt like butter in the mouth.

The answer to ‘What is Scotch beef?’ Just about the best beef money can buy.

 

Order Scotch Beef from Campbells Meat

What is Scotch beef? It’s sustainable, ethical, but above all, delicious meat!

Whether you prefer tender steaks or mouthwatering roasts, Scotch beef will not leave you disappointed. There are many types of meat out there, but don’t take a chance. Choose Scotch beef, knowing you’re getting the very best.

At Campbells Meat, we pride ourselves on our tender Scotch beef cuts. We supply Michelin starred restaurants and are proud to supply the most discerning home kitchens across the country.

Why not explore our steak selection today?