What could be more British than a classic roast beef dinner with all of the trimmings? According to recent reports from the AHDB Beef and Lamb, British beef exports have decreased indicating there is a reduced demand for our meat overseas whilst research from the 2017 Meat Price Index reports that the UK’s cost of beef was found to be 8.7% more expensive compared to the world average. So, what can we do as chefs and consumers to help tackle this - support British beef of course!
Roast Beef
Great British Beef Week 2018 and celebrates what is often thought of as a meat that is synonymous with Britain. This annual event (which is in its eighth consecutive year) aims to encourage the British public to get behind Great British Beef and celebrate the quality and versatility of this meat.
Minette Batters, who is president of the National Farmers Union (NFU) is also the co-founder of Ladies in Beef - a group of over 150 female beef farmers.
The groups aim is to showcase the benefits of British beef, highlighting the many ways that this can be used in a dish, how beneficial is it to enjoy as part of a healthy diet as well as highlighting the pivotal role that beef farming has within the British farming industry.
This year’s Great British Beef Week campaign is focusing on the advantages of eating thin cuts of beef. Jilly Greed, who is also a co-founder of Ladies in Beef, says that: "Thin cuts are robust in flavour, lean and are an underrated source of protein and iron, as well as eight essential vitamins and minerals."
She continues: "Just by buying British beef, you’ll be doing your bit for the farming industry. During campaign week, we’d love to see British beef on more menu and special boards and if you can’t dine out, why not put beef on the menu at home? In addition to thin cuts, why not try our speedy curry recipe?"
By encouraging both restaurants and individuals to buy British beef will have a positive impact on British farmers and those that work in British agriculture.
R.A.B.I helps farming people in financial hardship, giving out grants of around £2m per year. Paul Burrows, R.A.B.I CEO, said: "If everyone bought just 10% more British food every week it would greatly transform British agriculture and farmers’ lives." They are hoping that this will encourage consumers to buy British so that British farmers are the number one supplier to restaurants and the general public as well as increasing demand for British beef throughout the world.
For those that are looking for some inspiration, we have rounded up a selection of some of the fantastic beef recipes to celebrate the best of British beef.
Do you have a recipe using British beef that you would like to share? Why not upload it via your members account and we will add our favourites to this article as part of our 'beef round-up'.
In these challenging times…
The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.
Over the last 16 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 560,000 followers across Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.
A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.
Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.
