Where To Buy The Tender, Flavorful Chianina Beef in the USA

Chianina beef originates from the Chianina cattle breed that is native to Italy. This breed produces some of the most tender, flavorful beef that is perfect for dishes like the famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina. However, Chianina cattle are rare outside of Italy, which makes finding Chianina beef in the USA a challenge. If you want to get your hands on this amazing beef, here’s my guide on where you can source it in the states.

What Makes Chianina Beef So Special?

Chianina cattle are one of the oldest breeds in the world, dating back over 2200 years! They originate from the Tuscany region of Italy and are known for their large stature, distinctive white coloring, and lean, finely marbled beef

Here are some key characteristics that make Chianina beef exceptional:

• Extremely tender and flavorful. The meat has a sweet, almost nutty taste.

• Finely marbled with fat, adding richness. But overall it is very lean.

• Bright red color

• High in protein, low in cholesterol. Great for nutrition.

• The famous T-bone cut is renowned for tenderness. Used for Bistecca alla Fiorentina.

• Indigenous to Italy only, making it rare outside the country.

It’s this combination of tenderness, rich flavor and nutritional quality that makes foodies seek out this exclusive beef. It’s so prized in Italy that the government restricted export until recently. Now, let’s look at how to find it in the USA.

Online Retailers Specializing in Italian Foods

My first tip is to check online stores specializing in high-end Italian foods. They often have access to exclusive ingredients like Chianina beef from Tuscany.

One great example is Venchi. This store ships premium Italian products worldwide, including Chianina beef. Their beef is sourced from Tuscany and carefully packaged to remain fresh. The downside is it commands a premium price.

Another reputable source is Gustiamo. They also ship Chianina beef from Tuscany and offer a wide selection of cuts. Their Chianina ribeye is fabulously marbled and melts in your mouth! Just budget accordingly as it’s one of the pricier proteins.

If you crave the real taste of Tuscany, an online Italian specialty store is the way to go. You pay more but can be assured of genuine, high-quality Chianina beef.

Online Meat Delivery Services

Online butcher shops are another avenue to try. Some source their beef internationally, while others work with rare breed ranches in the US.

One company I recommend is Crowd Cow. They partner with independent farms and offer a selection of American-raised heritage breeds. While availability fluctuates, sometimes they carry purebred Chianina beef. Their standards for humane practices and sustainability are also excellent.

Another stellar choice is Porter Road. They feature heritage breed beef on their site, including some Chianina-cross cattle. While not 100% purebred Chianina, the meat quality still looks top-notch. Their butchers hand cut each piece to order too.

Places like these may not always have Chianina but are worth browsing. Sign up for newsletters so you’re notified of any availability!

Local Butchers and Specialty Markets

Don’t rule out checking your local independent butcher or gourmet market either. You may get lucky!

Many butchers today partner with small ranches raising heritage breeds. Ask your local butcher if they can source Chianina, or something closely comparable. The popular D’Artagnan company sells Cross-bred Chianina beef at times too.

Upscale restaurants may use Chianina for steaks. See if their meat supplier will do retail sales. Farmers markets are another personal favorite. Ranchers sometimes attend themselves and can share breed availability.

Lastly, explore options at your local specialty food store. For example, Eataly in major cities sells genuine imported Chianina. Even if you just get ideas on other high-end breeds, it’s worth a visit.

Ranches Raising Chianina Cattle in the US

If you’re truly committed to tracking down Chianina beef, directly contacting cattle ranches is an option too.

The Chianina Association of America lists breeders across the country. Most focus on breeding stock, but you may find ones willing to sell beef. The beef supply is limited though since the breed remains quite rare in the US.

A couple ranches I found that potentially sell Chianina beef are:

• Maranto Ranches in California
• 7N Ranch in Colorado
• Skyline Ranch in Texas

Again, quantities are limited. But visiting a ranch shop, farmer’s market stand or asking about custom orders may yield results for dedicated beef lovers.

Is There a Suitable Substitute for Chianina?

Given how exclusive it is, you may need to look for a substitute that offers similar eating qualities.

The key traits to look for are heavy marbling, fine texture, bright red color and tenderness. Here are a few potential breeds to try:

• American Wagyu: Known for extensive marbling and buttery texture. Not as lean as Chianina but offers great richness.

• Red Angus: Tender, fine-grained beef with nice marbling. Milder taste than Chianina.

• Texas Longhorn: Leaner but has a similar muscular body and tender texture. Needs careful cooking.

While the flavor won’t be an exact match, these breeds can still produce wonderful steaks, roasts and other cuts. You get more options domestically at a better price point.

Is the Search Worth Finding This Exceptional Beef?

In closing, be prepared for a bit of effort tracking down true Chianina beef in the USA. But I believe the search is worth it!

As a lover of fine dining and amazing ingredients, I think Chianina beef is a “must-try” food experience. The unique taste and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness is something every carnivore should savor at least once.