What is the Force of Nature Ancestral Blend?
Force of Nature's ground beef with liver is officially known as their "Ancestral Blend". This unique product is a mixture of 100% grass-fed and grass-finished ground beef, beef liver, and beef heart. The inclusion of organ meats is a nod to the traditional "nose-to-tail" eating philosophy, which honors the animal and maximizes nutritional intake. The blend is carefully balanced so that it cooks, feels, and tastes remarkably similar to regular ground beef, but with a richer, more complex flavor profile that isn't overwhelmingly "livery".
Unlike traditional ground beef, which only uses muscle meat, the Ancestral Blend is fortified with approximately 8% organ meats to deliver a significant nutritional boost. This creates a convenient and approachable way for consumers to reap the benefits of organ meats without the strong, polarizing taste that many people associate with liver. The company emphasizes that its products are sourced from regeneratively managed lands, meaning the animals are raised in a way that actively works to improve soil health and the ecosystem.
The Nutritional Power of Adding Organ Meats
Organ meats, particularly liver and heart, are among the most nutrient-dense foods available. By incorporating them into ground beef, Force of Nature creates a powerful nutritional upgrade. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Exceptional Vitamin A: Beef liver is one of the richest sources of preformed Vitamin A (retinol), which is crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health.
- High in B-Vitamins: The blend is a powerhouse of B-vitamins, especially Vitamin B12, which is essential for energy production, neurological health, and red blood cell formation.
- Rich in Heme Iron: Organ meats contain a highly bioavailable form of iron (heme iron), which is more easily absorbed by the body than iron from plant sources. This can help prevent and treat anemia.
- Source of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): The beef heart in the blend is a good source of CoQ10, an antioxidant involved in energy production and heart health.
- Abundant in Minerals: The blend provides essential minerals like zinc and selenium, which support immune function and thyroid health.
How Organ Meats Compare to Traditional Muscle Meat
| Feature | Traditional Ground Beef (Muscle Meat) | Force of Nature Ancestral Blend (Muscle + Organ) |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Density | Moderate. Good source of protein, iron, zinc. | High. Supercharged with vitamins and minerals from liver and heart. |
| Vitamin B12 | Good source. | Excellent source, significantly higher levels. |
| Vitamin A (Retinol) | Low to non-existent. | Excellent source. |
| Heme Iron | Good source. | Excellent source, highly bioavailable. |
| CoQ10 | Present in smaller quantities. | Good source due to the addition of heart. |
| Flavor Profile | Familiar, classic beef flavor. | Richer, deeper flavor without an overpowering 'livery' taste. |
| Sourcing | Varies widely, can be conventional or grass-fed. | Consistently 100% grass-fed and regeneratively sourced. |
The Practice of Regenerative Agriculture
Force of Nature’s commitment extends beyond simply adding organ meats; it is deeply rooted in regenerative agriculture. This farming approach goes beyond sustainability to actively restore ecosystem health.
Regenerative practices involve holistic land management and rotational grazing, which allow animals to mimic natural patterns and improve soil health. This process increases the land's ability to sequester carbon, boosts biodiversity, and creates a more resilient ecosystem. The result is not only a healthier planet but also nutritionally superior meat, as animals grazing on diverse, healthy pastures produce beef that is richer in key nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. This commitment to environmental stewardship is a core part of the brand's identity and value proposition.
Force of Nature's Sourcing and Quality Standards
- 100% Grass-Fed & Grass-Finished: All beef comes from animals raised on pasture year-round and fed a 100% grass diet, with no grains ever.
- No Antibiotics or Added Hormones: The company strictly avoids the use of antibiotics and added growth hormones.
- Ethical Animal Welfare: Animals are never confined to feedlots and are free to roam on diverse pastures, ensuring their well-being.
- Tested Supply Chain: They regularly test their supply chain for antibiotic residues, going beyond many standard certification programs.
How to Cook with Force of Nature Ground Beef with Liver
The most compelling aspect of the Ancestral Blend is its versatility. It can be used as a direct substitute for regular ground beef in virtually any recipe, making it incredibly easy to incorporate more nutrients into your diet.
Common Uses:
- Burgers and Meatballs: The rich flavor makes for incredibly juicy and savory burgers and meatballs. Mix the ground meat with your preferred seasonings, form into patties or balls, and cook thoroughly.
- Tacos and Chili: Use the blend for ground meat tacos or a robust, nutrient-dense chili. Brown the meat, drain any excess grease, and proceed with your recipe.
- Shepherd's Pie: A classic comfort dish is instantly elevated by the rich flavor and nutritional profile of the Ancestral Blend.
- Bolognese Sauce: Create a deep and flavorful bolognese sauce for pasta dishes.
Tips for Cooking:
- Season Simply: The natural richness often requires less seasoning. A simple salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder mix can be enough to highlight the meat's flavor.
- Cook Thoroughly: As with any ground meat, follow standard safe handling instructions and cook to an internal temperature of 160°F.
Potential Considerations and Best Practices
While the nutritional benefits are vast, it is important to consume organ meats in moderation. Due to the very high levels of Vitamin A and copper in liver, consuming excessive amounts can be harmful over time. For most healthy individuals, eating the Ancestral Blend a few times a week is sufficient to reap the benefits without risk. Those with conditions like hemochromatosis (iron overload) should be cautious due to the high heme iron content. As always, a balanced and varied diet is key to optimal health. For more information, you can visit the Force of Nature Meats website.
Conclusion
Force of Nature ground beef with liver, their Ancestral Blend, represents a bridge between traditional wisdom and modern dietary needs. By combining 100% grass-fed muscle meat with nutrient-dense liver and heart, the product delivers superior nutrition in a familiar format. Sourced from regenerative farms that prioritize land and animal health, this blend is an environmentally conscious choice for consumers seeking to upgrade their dietary protein. It offers an easy, delicious, and powerful way to integrate the health-boosting properties of organ meats, supporting energy, brain function, and overall vitality with every bite.
