I keep reading that it is impossible to find a real hamburger down there. I kind of find this hard to believe but may be mistaken as I haven't been there for a while
Get the 80% ground beef instead of the 95%, BIG difference in taste. It's not only more tender and tasty, it's less expensive.The issue is the BEEF. I am not an expert but there is a big difference in the beef.
Perhaps it is just the fat content that we are used to in the States but I think that it is more in the way the beef is slaughtered and bled.. as in not so much.. ANYWAY.. there is a taste in the beef that is simply not the same. I can only describe it as "gamey" like venison, say.
Most of the beef here is shoe leather tough here by US standards. Suitable for potroast and stew but not the tender strip steaks that we are used to.
Most are free range and eat weeds. They are slaughtered and taken to market right away without the meat being aged. Those are two big factors in the poor quality of DR beef.I was once told that the 'problem' has more to do with the 'lifestyle' of Dominican cattle vs those of the US or even Argentina. Dominican cattle tend to stay rather fit and develop much muscle fibers due to constantly wandering, since they are pretty much left alone until its time to be slaughtered. In the US, the cattle have a more sedentary 'lifestyle,' as such, become overweight. They are also closely monitored to ensure that they become fat.
In someways, reminds me of the lifestyle of many people in the US. LOL.
BTW, I'm not a rancher or cattle hearder and don't descend from a family in such field and this is based on mere hearsay. Don't know how much truth there is to it.
Most are free range and eat weeds. They are slaughtered and taken to market right away without the meat being aged. Those are two big factors in the poor quality of DR beef.
I was once told that the 'problem' has more to do with the 'lifestyle' of Dominican cattle vs those of the US or even Argentina. Dominican cattle tend to stay rather fit and develop much muscle fibers due to constantly wandering, since they are pretty much left alone until its time to be slaughtered. In the US, the cattle have a more sedentary 'lifestyle,' as such, become overweight. They are also closely monitored to ensure that they become fat.
Not looking to make a burger in a restaurant at all, I am just trying to find a good burger when I come down there is all. In 15 trips still haven't been able to such a thing and it is a big downer. MrChris thank you for your response as well as everybody else
Cheers