Sometimes it’s easier to head to the meat section and pick up a few packs for the week while doing your shopping, but is it worth it? Here are a few reasons why it’s better to shop your meat from a local butcher.

By Taryn Wilson

1. YOU’LL GET EXACTLY WHAT YOU ASK FOR

Often, you’ll spend ages in the meat section trying to find the perfect cut or the right pieces, and coming up short. If you go to a butcher you’ll be able to specify what you’re looking for, the reasons behind your choice, and you may even pick up some helpful advice for future meat purchasing.

2. IT WILL BE FRESH

Packaged meat always carries the risk of containing harmful bacteria, and the majority of the time consumers aren’t aware of where their meat is coming from. With a professional butcher, you will always get freshly-cut meat and know exactly how it got there.

3. YOU’LL BE SUPPORTING LOCAL

When you avoid spending at big corporate supermarkets and choose to invest your bucks into local businesses, it really does help the economy and your fellow South Africans. Chances are you have a local butcher somewhere in your neighbourhood, so it’s definitely worthwhile investing the time to seek one out. You can also expect a major price cut!

4. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

Buying meat from a butcher becomes a personal experience, with your needs being the sole focus during your time there. You can expect quality product and service, and a respect for the animals the meat has come from.

5. THEY TAKE PRIDE IN THEIR WORK

Despite what you may think, butchers have a deep respect for animals, which is why they source their meat from organic farms with healthy non-chemically-filled livestock. It’s also their speciality, so they know exactly what they’re doing and you are guaranteed to receive exceptional service.

If you need some more convincing, go and find out for yourself the next time you head to out to get some lekker braaivleis.