America’s veal farmers are committed to ensuring the health and well-being of their calves, taking care of the environment and providing safe, high-quality, nutritious food for consumers. Most veal calves are raised on small family farms, and veal-farming families are proud to share more about their ongoing dedication to doing what’s right.
The story of veal starts at the dairy farm. When a mother cow is bred on a dairy farm and give birth to a female or heifer calf, the calf stays at the dairy farm and joins the other milk-producing cows. If a male or bull calf is born, he is sold to farmers who raise him to a full grown 1,200-1,500 pound beef animal or to a 500 pound veal calf.
Veal farmers purchase dairy calves when they weigh 100 pounds and raise them until they are 5-6 months old. Veal calves live indoors, protected from extreme weather conditions and predators, in group pens where they can socialize and receive food and veterinary care. 700 farm families raise veal calves in the United States.
When calves reach 500 pounds (5-6 months old), they are sent to a packing plant where they are humanely processed into veal for sale in supermarkets and restaurants.
THIS VIDEO IS COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN VEAL ASSOCIATION.
Veal is not only delicious and nutritious, but it is also easy to prepare. Click on one of our recipes for a quick and easy meal solution, or create your own veal masterpiece using one of the traditional Cooking Methods.
Veal can be sautéed, stir-fried, braised, stewed, grilled or broiled. Choosing the right method of preparation is important. No matter which cooking method you choose to prepare your veal, keep one thought in mind: “The key to veal is not to overcook.”
Find two veal recipes developed by Pittsburgh-based blogger Carla Cardello of the Homemade in the Kitchen blog below. Head on over to www.vealmadeeasy.com for additional recipes, cooking tips and much more!
Put simply, veal is a nutritional power source. Recent USDA data reveals that a 3 oz. cooked, trimmed serving of veal provides less than 10% of the calories recommended for a 2,000 calorie diet. At the same time, veal delivers more than 10% of the daily values for protein, zinc, niacin, as well as vitamin B-12 and B-6. Protein and B-vitamins help us increase our energy levels. Zinc maintains immune function and plays a key role in growth and cognitive development.
Veal is nutritious – an excellent source of protein, iron and vitamin B-12. Veal is delicious – offering a delicate flavor and versatility. Veal is easy to prepare – try sautéing, stir-frying or grilling!