For most American households, meat is the most expensive part of the family's diet. But between its essential protein content and mouthwatering flavor, meat is also an item you can't easily eliminate from your grocery budget. So how can you minimize spending on your main dish? Hammann's Catering, Butcher Shop & Deli in Fairfield, OH, offers the following tips.

Buy Whole Animals

Much of the cost of meat comes from the time and labor invested in the butcher, package, and ship the product. You can cut costs by buying whole. In the process, you'll have the chance to choose your cuts and packaging, and you'll be able to use ingredients like fat and bones for more flavorful cooking.  Hammann’s offers great meat bundles to cut costs and fill your freezer.

Learn How to Braise & Roast

Quick-cooking, single-portion cuts like steaks or BBQ ribs are often much more expensive than the cuts which need to be cooked more slowly. Practice braising and roasting, and choose cuts which work well with these techniques. Once again, the benefits go beyond cost, since these cuts tend to be more flavorful.

By changing your meat selections and buying close to the source, you can save significantly on your next grocery bill. If you aren't sure which cuts to pick, talk to your butcher about your options. Hammann's Catering, Butcher Shop & Deli offers a wide range of quality meats to fit any budget. For questions, call them at (513) 858-3237, or learn more about the shop online.