Grass Fed Test Valley Beef Now Available from Local Zero
Local Zero are very pleased to announce our latest supplier partner; Test Valley Devons - grass fed, native British breed beef from Chilbolton.
Test Valley Devons is run by Max and Gaynor Childs, working together with Mike Thompson of the Inchgarth herd of pedigree Red-Ruby Devons. Together, they have a shared passion for these fantastic cattle – and good food.
Reared right on our doorstep...
Situated in the beautiful chalk stream and downland landscape of the Test Valley, Hampshire (in fact Local Zero Director, David, can usually see the herd from his kitchen window!) The Devons spend summer on the water-meadows of the River Test in Hampshire, where they play an essential role in conservation management, controlling invasive plant species and assisting with seed transmission. Winter is also spent outdoors in their upland fields, offering good grazing, firm ground under hoof, plus the option to retreat to the barn to shelter from the elements whenever they choose.
100% Grass Fed Beef
The Red Devon cattle are a slow growing breed, with the perfect metabolism for converting grass into premium quality beef; grass fed beef has been found to have health benefits, having 50% more heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids, as well as being higher in antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin E. Time spent roaming pasture is not only good for the animal, but produces a finer textured meat with depth and complexity of flavour.
Test Valley Devons are 100% grass fed, with their meadows providing fresh grass from May to November and hay (dried grass) providing sustenance through the winter months. The well-being of their animals is of the utmost importance to Max and his team, with pasture health and the environment being high on their list of priorities, they follow the same farming standards as an organic farm, though they are considered too small for organic certification to be financially viable.
"The real wow factor becomes apparent in the eating. I believe it is down to the fine grained texture of slow grown Red Ruby Devon beef which produces smaller protein molecules, helping it to cook much better, maintaining succulence and flavour”Alyn Williams, of Alyn Williams at The Westbury, London. Michelin starred chef and National Chef of the Year 2012.
21-Day Aged, Full Flavoured & Beautifully Marbled meat
Good things come to those who wait! The Red Devons are a slow growing breed, taking almost twice as long to reach full weight compared to commercial breeds, The slow growing, grass fed nature of the beef produces a finer textured meat with beautiful marbling providing depth and complexity of flavour. Once mature, the cattle are processed close to the farm, by a family-run butchers, where the beef is hung for 21 days to further improve flavour and tenderness.
Shop for grass fed beef, exclusive to Local Zero!
From Monday 6th September, Local Zero customers are given the opportunity to pre-order a beef pack, before the meat goes on sale to the general public. We have three packs available, each containing a variety of cuts, including premium steaks, roasting joints, stewing steak and minced beef.
Place your order - SHOP NOW!