BUFFALO (American Bison) were the Plains Indians primary food source and once numbered in the tens of millions. Indiscriminate slaughter and market hunting rendered the American buffalo nearly extinct by 1900. There were only 13 live American Bison left, all in the Yellowstone Park area. Today there are over 300,000 buffalo with about 280,000 being raised on private ranches.

Buffalo meat has a rich, beef-like taste. Being lower in cholesterol and calories yet higher in iron and protein makes buffalo a perfect beef substitute for the health-conscious, or those on restricted red meat diets. In fact, buffalo has less cholesterol than chicken with the skin removed or even fish!

Buffalo or bison were the focus of life for the plains tribes of Native Americans, providing them food, clothing, shelter and spiritual orientation. Bison were wantonly hunted to near extinction by settlers and tourists, but now are again available for food. Buffalo meat has more protein and only half the saturated fat of our artificially fattened beef, plus a better balance of omega-3 fat. Otherwise, it is similar to beef. A 3-oz serving has only 122 calories, but contains 15% or more of the RDAs for vitamins B6 and B12, niacin, riboflavin, phosphate, iron, selenium, zinc, and all the essential amino acids of protein (His to Vat).