Contrary to the song “Home on the Range,” it is bison not buffalo that roamed in the American West. Although bison and buffalo do share the same family, buffalo are actually indigenous to South Asia (water buffalo) and Africa (Cape buffalo). Bison were found from Canada to Mexico and from coast to coast. Bison were also native thoughout Europe. Calling a bison a buffalo is inaccurate, but a common mistake. Although Bison NY does sound funny, doesn’t it?

This past week my wife and I had the pleasure of meeting up with some old friends from New Zealand at Beaver Creek Resort. The skiing was outstanding and the food we ate was first-rate. We dined out several times during our stay and were pleasantly surprised by the differentiation of the menus. Having lived and cooked in Colorado, I assumed we’d see the usual meat-heavy menu. The obligatory ribeye and sirloin were there, as were plenty of local poultry, fish and vegetarian offerings. What I was not expecting was bison. Bison popped up in an array of offerings from appetizers to mains. We had one dish that was particularly wonderful — a richly flavored Bison Osso Bucco with a cornbread and lemon gremolata that makes my mouth water just thinking about it. I have eaten Beefalo, but I can honestly say that I have never tasted bison. Beefalo is a cross-breed of domestic cattle and bison developed for a flavorful lean meat that is high in protein and very low in cholesterol.

Traditionally, bison was a prized and essential part of Native American life. Every part of the animal was used. The meat, fat and organs for food, sinew for bowstrings and thread. Hides used for everything from clothing, blankets and tanned for tipi covers and moccasins. Every bone, horn, tail and head were used for tools and ceremonies. In the mid 1800’s the bison population went from 25 million to fewer than 1,000. Today, bison are thriving due to smart management and breeding efforts and restoration of their native grazing land. Bison meat ranching has been a way of life in the Mountain West for a bit over 100 years. One of the only bison herds to live continually in one spot since prehistoric times remains in Yellowstone National Park. They may be some of the only bison that remain genetically free of cattle DNA.

Have you eaten, or better yet, raised Bison? Please share your stories.

Live well…

My first bite of bison

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