Liver! Bleeech!!!
Is that how you feel about eating LIVER? You aren’t alone, but we’ve talked to an increasing number of folks who are rediscovering the hidden secrets of health in organ meats. Especially for those of us in northern, cold weather climates. Jill tells the kids sometimes that something is a “liver and lumpy oatmeal thing. Very, very good for you but not particularly enjoyable.”
So, why is liver so good for your health??
These nutrient-rich organ meats offer a plethora of vitamins and minerals, providing a range of health benefits.
The Nutritional Benefits:
Beef and chicken liver are true nutrient powerhouses, loaded with essential elements crucial for various bodily functions. Some key nutrients found in these organ meats include:
Vitamin A: As one of the richest sources of vitamin A, liver supports vision, skin health, and the immune system. Vitamin A also aids cell growth and differentiation.
B Vitamins: Exceptional sources of B vitamins like B12, B2 (riboflavin), and folate, beef, and chicken liver are essential for energy metabolism, red blood cell formation, and a healthy nervous system.
Iron: Liver’s heme iron type is highly absorbable, vital for oxygen transport, energy production, and anemia prevention.
Zinc and Copper: Essential for immune function, wound healing, and maintaining skin and hair health, these minerals are abundant in liver.
Protein: Liver offers high-quality protein with all essential amino acids for tissue repair and growth.
Vitamin D: In northern climates we struggle to get enough vitamin D, especially in the winter. Nature’s solution: Liver from grazing animals!
In fact, liver is one of the most nutritionally dense foods on the planet, with significant amounts of iron, riboflavin, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and copper. Eating a single serving of liver can help you meet your daily recommended amount of most of these vitamins and minerals, reducing your risk of nutrient deficiency.
Elevating Wellness with Liver:
- Nutrient Abundance: Incorporating beef or chicken liver ensures an efficient supply of critical nutrients even in modest portions.
- Anemia Combatant: The iron content makes liver an indispensable ally in preventing and addressing iron-deficiency anemia.
- Immune System Booster: The synergistic blend of vitamins A and D, B vitamins, zinc, and copper found in liver strengthens the immune system, enhancing your body’s defense mechanism.
- Energy Amplification: B vitamins and iron bolster energy metabolism, fostering sustained vitality and mental alertness. It’s the perfect solution to winter’s moodiness and
- brain fog!
- Appreciation for your animals’ gift of life: There’s much talk about the power of gratitude. Using an animal’s whole gift is a way of appreciating that they gave their life for your benefit.
But… YUCK!
Well, you can continue to pay money for expensive supplements, or suffer from nutritional deficiencies, or suck it up and start experimenting and using the free food from your homestead animals.
Here are a few tips when you’re starting
- Start with small amounts
- Soak the liver like you would fish in milk, lemon juice, or salt water to decrease the iron taste
- Mix small amounts with other meats in a pie, meatloaf, ground meat, or stew/stirfry.
- Cook it gently. Rare to medium cooked liver will be much more palatable than cooked-to-chalk liver.
Three Easy and Delectable Liver Recipes:
Beef Liver Stir-Fry:
- Slice beef liver thinly.
- Marinate liver with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey for 15-30 minutes.
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add oil.
- Stir-fry liver for 3-4 minutes until slightly pink inside.
- Serve over steamed veggies and brown rice.
Chicken Liver Pâté:
- Sauté finely chopped shallots and chicken livers in butter until golden outside and slightly pink inside.
- Blend in a food processor with heavy cream, brandy, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Chill and serve with crackers or toasted baguette slices.
Liver and Onions:
- Sauté onions until caramelized.
- Coat chicken liver with seasoned flour (salt, pepper).
- Sear liver with caramelized onions until fully cooked.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Bonus! Here are two more easy and tasty options:
Chicken Liver Pâté:
- Sauté finely chopped shallots and chicken livers in butter until browned on the outside but slightly pink inside.
- Transfer to a food processor and add heavy cream, brandy, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Chill in the fridge and serve with crackers or toasted baguette slices.
Liver and Onions:
- Slice onions and sauté in a pan until caramelized.
- Dredge chicken liver in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Sear the liver in the same pan with the caramelized onions until cooked through.
- Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
In the realm of nutrient-dense foods, beef and chicken liver stand as unsung heroes. Laden with a treasure trove of essential vitamins and minerals, these often overlooked organ meats offer a range of health benefits that can revolutionize your overall vitality. I hope you see some of the compelling reasons behind the inclusion of beef and chicken liver in your diet. While beef and chicken liver might not claim the spotlight often, their extraordinary nutritional content and potential health advantages make them an invaluable addition to your dietary repertoire. By embracing these organ meats in your meals and savoring the straightforward recipes mentioned above, you can harness their nutritional prowess and embark on a journey towards elevated health and holistic well-being. Let us know which of these recipes you try and like!
Want more recipes like these?
We have a whole recipes section in the Tribe+ membership for you to explore, try out, and improve your health with. We also include an organ recipes section in the Hog Harvest Handbook when you purchase that video course. Check them out and get started!