Our Local Meats: Quebec Pork, Veal, Poultry and Beef
At Metro, we’re proud to support local producers and breeders and we offer a wide variety of Quebec meats. Join us as we take a short tour of the meat department to help you (re)discover quality products you’ll love. As a bonus, we’ll share some recipes so that you can enjoy more local flavours in your dishes.
Pig out!
Pork is versatile, low in fat, nutritious, and delicious—it doesn’t get any better than that! No wonder it’s one of the most popular meats in the world. In fact, Quebec pork is enjoyed in more than 125 countries! Buying local pork means supporting one of our province’s 3,000 breeders and promoting practices that meet the highest standards of animal welfare and respect for the environment.
Pork goes well with everything, but especially with fruit flavours. While pork and apple is a classic pairing, pear enhances dishes with an even more delicate flavour.
Pork comes in dozens of cuts: back rib, cutlet, sirloin, sirloin slice, sirloin steak, shank . . . Roast and tenderloin are popular choices for families, as they yield generous portions for a reasonable price. They can be cooked whole or cut into slices, thin strips, or cubes.
With Quebec pork,
you’ll discover a world of possibilities!
Chicken and turkey get you bang for your buck!
Chicken and turkey are tasty and easy to cook, and they can be prepared any number of ways, making them a favourite with young and old alike. The meat of these birds is lean, delicious, and loaded with nutrients.
Sourcing locally and responsibly is important to us. That’s why Metro offers products such as Irresistibles Naturalia and Irresistibles Organics free-range chickens, raised according to the highest industry standards. Look for vacuum packaging that bears a quality seal, indicating that the poultry comes from the Voltigeurs farm in Drummondville.
The options are endless with a good chicken: thigh roast, cutlets, drumsticks, breasts, or whole! Whole turkey happens to offer exceptional value for money. Keep leftovers in single servings in the freezer: cooked turkey can be turned into a convenient lunch or quick meal.
With poultry, there’s zero waste! You can even use the chicken or turkey carcass to make broth. Just add celery, carrots, onions, bay leaf, and dried thyme, and you’ll have an excellent base for soup.
Try something new with this classic meat—the
results may surprise you!
Versatile veal
Tender, delicate, and versatile, veal is becoming a popular menu item. This lean and mineral-rich meat is ready in no time at all, and it’s equally delicious when served as cutlets, chops, or osso buco.
Did you know that Quebec is the largest veal producer in the country? Milk-fed veal and grain-fed veal are excellent sources of vitamin B12, magnesium, zinc, and iron, and certainly deserve a place on our plates.
Veal is also incredibly versatile! This juicy and delicious meat is appreciated by connoisseurs, but kids also enjoy its delicate flavour.
If you’ve cooked your roast in the oven, transfer the bones to a saucepan, then add vegetables, herbs, and water. Simmer the liquid for a few hours, then strain it. That’s all it takes to make homemade veal stock! For a rich, smooth sauce, add cream and a little wine. Your Metro butcher has tons of tips like these.
Try them out!
The beef effect
In burger or steak form, tender, juicy beef is the king of the grill. It also lends itself to a variety of preparations to please any palate. Many cuts of beef come from Canada, including Angus AAA beef, which is 100 percent Canadian!
As every cut has unique qualities, we have lots of cooking tips to help you make the most of your selection. Do you like your steak well done? Go for a rib steak! Because of its generous marbling, it will keep all its flavour no matter how well cooked. If you prefer tenderness over strong flavour, you’ll love filet mignon. If, on the other hand, you don’t want to compromise on taste, tenderness, or the way you cook your meat, opt for a sirloin steak. You won’t be disappointed!
Of course, it’s not all about the grill—ground beef is a staple in Quebec homes. Whether it’s used to make classics like spaghetti sauce or chili to freeze for quick meals, or for trying new flavours with Mexican-style tacos, ground meat is a family favourite. There’s also beef roast, which cooks very well in the oven, and beef cubes, which are ideal for the slow cooker.
There’s sure to be a cut of beef you’ll enjoy!