Business Insider - This cut of #beef goes for around $14 a pound. #oxtail #meat
Oxtail, a bony cut of beef, has seen a significant rise in popularity and price, now selling for around $14 a pound. Historically considered a throwaway cut in the United States, it was primarily used by Latin American, Asian, and Caribbean communities who appreciated its unique qualities. Oxtail contains about 40% usable meat, with the rest being bone and fat, making it less meaty compared to other cuts. However, its high collagen content gives it a distinctive gelatinous texture when cooked, offering a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience. This unique texture, along with its cultural significance, has contributed to its increased demand and presence on menus across the U.S.
Key Points:
- Oxtail now sells for around $14 per pound, a significant increase from its past low cost.
- Historically, oxtail was a throwaway cut, mainly used by Latin American, Asian, and Caribbean communities.
- Oxtail contains only about 40% usable meat, with the rest being bone and fat.
- Its high collagen content provides a unique, gelatinous texture when cooked.
- The rise in popularity is due to its unique texture and cultural culinary traditions.
Details:
1. 📈 Oxtail's Surge in Popularity
- Oxtail is selling for around $14 a pound, indicating a high market value.
- Oxtail is consistently selling out every week, demonstrating strong and sustained consumer demand.
- The price of oxtail has increased significantly over recent years, reflecting its growing popularity and demand.
- Chefs and food enthusiasts are driving the demand due to oxtail's rich flavor and culinary versatility.
- Cultural influences and the trend towards authentic cooking methods have bolstered oxtail's popularity.
- Despite the high price, consumers are willing to pay for oxtail, suggesting perceived value and satisfaction.
2. 💸 Oxtail's Journey from Cheap to Costly
- Oxtail was historically a throwaway cut of beef in the U.S., often discarded or sold at minimal prices.
- Two decades ago, oxtail cost only a few dollars per pound, reflecting its low demand and perceived value.
- Cultural shifts and culinary trends have significantly increased the demand for oxtail, transforming it into a sought-after ingredient.
- The rise in popularity of international cuisines, particularly Caribbean and Asian dishes, has played a crucial role in elevating oxtail's status.
- Economic factors, such as increased meat processing costs and changes in supply chain dynamics, have also contributed to rising prices.
- Today, oxtail can command prices comparable to more traditionally valued cuts of beef, demonstrating its transformed market perception.
3. 🥩 Oxtail's Culinary Evolution in America
- Oxtail prices have significantly increased, reflecting its rise in popularity.
- Historically, oxtail was rarely found on menus in the United States but has become more common in recent years.
- A family butcher shop in New Jersey has been selling oxtail since 1922, indicating a longstanding tradition and consistent demand.
- Oxtail's increasing presence in restaurants suggests a shift in culinary appreciation and consumer interest.
- Cultural influences, such as Caribbean and Southern cuisines, have contributed to its growing popularity.
4. 🍲 Oxtail: A Cultural Staple
- Oxtail sales predominantly come from Latin American, Asian, and Caribbean communities, reflecting its importance as a culinary staple in these cultures.
- Traditionally considered an economical cut of meat, oxtail has been integral to dishes like Jamaican oxtail stew, Filipino kare-kare, and Korean oxtail soup (kkori gomtang) due to its rich flavor and versatility.
- These communities have historically embraced oxtail as part of their culinary heritage, often using it in hearty, flavorful stews and soups.
5. 🦴 The Unique Composition of Oxtail
- Oxtail consists of about 40% usable meat, making it less meaty compared to other cuts of beef.
- To obtain the same amount of meat as in one pound of a beef cut like sirloin steak, one would need 2.5 pounds of oxtail.
- Oxtail is high in collagen, distinguishing it from other beef cuts.
6. 🍖 The Rich Taste Experience of Oxtail
- Oxtail is more gelatinous than most other cuts of beef, which contributes to its rich texture.
- The collagen in oxtail breaks down during cooking, resulting in a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.