I recently tasted my first yak burger at a fundraiser for the Central Minnesota Sustainability Project, and it got me curious to learn a little more about the yak and yak meat! Some interesting facts:
- There are twelve million grazing yaks in China. That makes China the world leader of yaks.
- The long-haired bovine grows a dense undercoat for warmth. The heavy coat is especially important in the Himalayan region of Tibet.
- The female yak is called a dri or nak. English-speaking countries simply call both sexes "yak."
- Cattle and yak belong to the same genus, Bos. They have been interbred for 3000 years.
- The grazing of grasses is a vital process in sustainable agriculture. Domestic livestock, including the yak of China and our small North American yak herds, are used to convert grass and other foliage into meat, milk and other products.
- A yak burger is lean and has a pleasant taste. It is neither greasy to the pallet nor gamey in taste. The texture compares to grass-fed beef and is a perfect match for an amber beer.
I was happy to support the Central Minnesota Sustainability Project and learn more about sustainable foods. Grass-fed beef and other sustainable foods are becoming more and more common in Twin Cities area restaurants, enriching our community and making it an even more livable place. If you have an interest in sustainable farming, remember that we can always assist you in locating land or a hobby farm in a great location!
---
Tami DeLand and Steve HansenSaint Cloud and Central Minnesota REALTORS
Coldwell Banker
Burnet(320) 258-6675
---
St. Cloud Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleCentral Minnesota Real Estate---
