6 Useful Questions To Ask Your Butcher

It’s always a surprise to learn something new about a place you go all the time. For example, a few months ago I learned that my local library offers 7 useful services that I knew nothing about, even though I frequently go there when I need a quite place to work!

Today we’ll be exploring some useful services offered at another place we all go frequently: the grocery store! Because as surprising as it might sound, the information and services offered by the meat department are simply too good to pass up!

To show you exactly what I mean, I’ll be sharing 6 questions you can ask your butcher the next time you’re at the store. By the end of this post, you’ll understand exactly how the fine folks who work in the meat department can help make your mealtimes quicker, easier, and more delicious too!

6 Useful Questions To Ask Your Butcher

1. Which Cut Do You Recommend?

If you’re shopping for meat to use in a specific recipe, try asking your butcher what cut they would recommend using. They can tell you which cuts will work best for both your cooking method and your budget!

2. How Should I Prepare This Cut?

On other occasions, you may be shopping for a specific cut without a recipe in mind. (For instance, you might want to make filet mignon to celebrate your anniversary!)

Take a few minutes to ask your butcher for tips on cooking the specific cut you’ve chosen. They can tell you what temperature to cook it to, how long to let it rest, and even the best way to cut or slice it!

3. Where Do You Source Your Meat?

Don’t be afraid to ask where your butcher where they source their meat. Sourcing is especially important when it comes to organic, humanely-raised, and grass-fed meats, and your butcher should be well-versed on where their meat is coming from!

4. Which Lesser Known Cuts Do You Like?

One of the best ways to take advantage of your butcher’s vast store of knowledge about meat is to ask about less popular or lesser known cuts. They’re sure to have a favorite cut that you might not know about, or a new way to prepare an old favorite!

5. Do You Make Your Own Sausages, Burgers, Etc.?

Find out which items in the meat department they make in-house, such as freshly made sausages, burger patties, seasoned or marinated cuts, and more. These are sure to taste fresher and more homemade than their pre-packaged counterparts!

6. Would You Prepare This For Me?

Butchering meat on your own can be tricky and time-consuming, so why not ask an actual butcher to do it for you? They can grind and blend meats, trim or shape chops and roasts, break down or spatchcock whole chickens, and more!

Your butcher repeats these kinds of prep tasks dozens of times every day. They’ll be more than happy to save you some time and effort by doing the prep work for you. (Especially since it’s likely to be something they can do quickly and easily!)

Have you ever gotten a great tip from someone at the grocery store?