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What to eat in the United States of America? Top 5 American Fresh Meats

Last update: Wed May 28 2025
Top 5 American Fresh Meats
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best American Fresh Meat Types

01

Game

MONTANA, United States of America
4.5
Elk
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Elk meat is game meat obtained from hunted or farm-raised elk, a member of the deer family and native to Montana. This high-quality red meat is a specialty of the state, where people traditionally go elk hunting between October and November.


Although it is visually similar to beef, elk meat is distinguished by a darker red hue (due to high levels of minerals such as iron and phosphorus) and lack of marbling due to its incredible leanness. When it comes to flavor, the meat lacks the gaminess typical of meat obtained from similar animals, and it's instead said to be reminiscent of lean, grass-fed beef, but with a richer flavor. 
02

Bison

MONTANA, United States of America
4.3
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Bison meat is fresh meat obtained from free-range, grass-fed American bison, an animal that is native to North America. This red meat has long been a staple protein source for Native Americans, and its consumption has been linked to pre-European settlement.


Although it is visually similar to beef, the meat is characterized by a deeper red hue and less marbling. With a slightly sweet, rich, and natural flavor and an incredibly tender texture, bison is one of the leanest types of meat, and as such, it tastes best when cooked rare to medium. 
03

Duck

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
n/a
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The American Pekin, often simply referred to as the Pekin duck, is a breed of domesticated duck renowned for its distinctive white feathers, bright orange beak, and matching orange legs. Originally developed from the mallard in China, this breed derives from birds brought to the United States in the 19th century.


While its name pays homage to Beijing (formerly known as Peking), it's in America where the breed obtained its present characteristics and gained significant popularity. Not only are Pekins cherished for their amiable disposition and pleasant aesthetics, but they also play a pivotal role in the culinary world. 
04

Fruit Bat

NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS, United States of America and  one more country
n/a
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The Mariana fruit bat (lat. Pteropus mariannus), also known as the Mariana flying fox, is a large fruit bat native to the Mariana Islands in the western Pacific, including Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. This bat plays an essential role in its ecosystem, helping to pollinate plants and disperse seeds across the islands' forests.


It has a wingspan of around 3 feet and a diet primarily consisting of fruits, flowers, and leaves. As a food source, the Mariana fruit bat has cultural significance, particularly in Chamorro cuisine in Guam. Historically, it has been regarded as a delicacy and was served on special occasions and for festive celebrations. 
05

Sheep

COLORADO, United States of America
n/a
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Navajo-Churro sheep was brought to New Mexico’s Rio Grande Valley by the Spaniards in the 16th century. It is North America’s earliest domesticated farm animal, a descendant of the ancient Iberian breed known as Churra.


Even though the sheep were once numbered in the millions, the breed was almost brought to extinction, and by the 1970s, only 450 Navajo-Churro sheep were present in the United States. In the 1980s, an effort was made to restore the breed, so by 2005, the Navajo-Churro Sheep Association had more than 5000 registered individuals. 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best American Fresh Meat Producers

01

Cheese

EAST HAVEN, United States of America
4.5
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Calabro Cheese Corporation is a cheese producer that specializes in Italian style cheeses, including ricotta, mozzarella, and burrata. The company was founded by Joseph Calabro in 1953 and emphasizes using traditional cheese-making techniques. Calabro Cheese Corporation sources its milk from local farms to ensure freshness and quality in their products.
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold

2019

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place

2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2011, 2008, 2005, 2003, 2002, 2000

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best

2023

BEST Calabro Cheese Corporation Cheeses
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best American Fresh Meats

01
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Calabro Cheese Corporation produces Ricotta di Bufala, a high-quality cheese known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. Made from the milk of water buffalo, this ricotta boasts a distinctive taste that is both smoother and more flavorful compared to traditional cow's milk ricotta.


It is often praised for its delicate sweetness and slight tanginess, making it ideal for both sweet and savory dishes. This cheese is crafted using traditional Italian methods, ensuring authenticity and a superior culinary experience.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place

2024, 2023, 2022, 2018, 2016

Culture Cheese Magazine Best Cheeses issue - Best

2023

02
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AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place

2024

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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American Fresh Meats