Ox Tongue: Key Benefits And Revenue

The beef tongue is a tasty and tender cut of meat and a good option for lovers of intense flavors. However, like the rest of red meat and organ meats, its consumption should be sporadic.

It’s common to eat it in the form of a stew (you’ll learn how to do it in the recipe we explain at the end of this article). If you are interested in finding out more about this meat, keep reading!

Beef properties

Beef, particularly tongue, is a good source of important nutrients for the body. Some minerals such as iron, zinc and phosphorus, and B-complex vitamins stand out.

Among the latter, it is worth highlighting B12, which is only found in foods of animal origin and is essential for protein metabolism, red blood cell formation and maintenance of the central nervous system.

Also, like other meats, it is mostly protein, a slightly higher percentage of fat than normal, and contains no carbohydrates or fiber. Its caloric value is moderate.

At a culinary level, it offers a wide range of possibilities, although for beginners it is necessary to get used to its distinct flavor and texture. Getting started with it may seem complicated, but it is possible to prepare many types of dishes and start with simple recipes.

Benefits of consuming beef

Like almost all the food fresh, the beef tongue is a source of interesting nutrients. Thanks to them and their properties, their introduction into the diet can bring some benefits.

However, it should be clear that red meat and organ meats should be consumed sporadically. This is advised by some specialist organizations such as the World Cancer Research Fund.

The consumption of red and processed meat is directly related to a higher incidence of colorectal cancer. In addition, there are data from studies that conclude that a diet with less meat is associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity.

High biological value protein source

Like all animal products, this type of meat contains all the essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize. In this way, proteins can fulfill a series of fundamental functions:

• They regenerate and maintain tissue such as nails, skin or tendons.
• They carry hemoglobin, cholesterol, fatty acids and oxygen.

• Strengthen the immune system.
• They regulate vital processes such as breathing and digestion.

This is a relevant fact in the elderly population, because sometimes with age, the recommended daily doses are not considered. Inadequate intake accelerates or favors the onset of sarcopenia (an aging-related muscle loss). This is one of the conclusions of this study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition .

Favors the immune system

Red meat is an important source of zinc, an essential mineral because it has multiple functions and cannot be stored. It is of particular relevance during pregnancy and childhood to ensure optimal development and growth.

It also helps the immune system deal with bacteria and viruses and promotes tissue healing. In addition, scientific research is being carried out to assess its possible relationship with the onset of diarrhea, the common cold and age-related macular degeneration.

Prevention of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron is another prominent mineral in the ox tongue. It is a type of iron with good absorption. The body uses it to make hemoglobin, which is the protein that carries oxygen.

If not consumed enough, deposits of this mineral decrease and deficiency anemia can occur. Blood carries less oxygen and symptoms such as fatigue, lack of energy and greater vulnerability to infections appear.

Braised beef tongue recipe

Ox tongue is not a common dish. However, it is a very tender cut and perfect for all types of stew.

It may seem like an elaborate dish and difficult to execute, but nothing could be further from the truth. If you follow the detailed steps, you will be sure to finish this recipe successfully.

Ingredients required for 2 servings

• 1 lemon
• 1 leeks
• 2 tomatoes
• 3 onions
• 1 ox tongue
• 1 celery stalk
• 5 cups of water
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 cup of sweet wine
• 3 ½ teaspoons of salt
• Capers, olives and raisins to taste
• 1/2 green pepper and 1/2 red pepper.
• 1 cup of chicken broth or beef broth.
• 100 milliliters of extra virgin olive oil.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper.

Step by step to prepare braised beef tongue

1. Before you start cooking, it’s best to prepare some ingredients. To do this, peel and remove the tomato seeds and cut into cubes. Peel and cut 2 onions into medium pieces and the rest cut in half. Chop some olives (optional).
2. To cook the meat, start by rubbing the piece of tongue with a halved lemon. Rinse in cold water and place in a pressure cooker with water covering. Cook for 10 minutes from the time of boiling. Turn off heat and let cool before opening.
3. Remove the tongue and, with the help of a knife, remove the skin. Discard the water from the first cooking, refill the pan with 5 cups of water, the onion cut in half, 2 crushed garlic cloves, the leeks, the celery, half the peppers, a little salt and pepper.
4. Cook for 40 to 50 minutes, until meat is tender.
5. While it cools a little, prepare the base of the sauce. Place the chopped tomatoes and onion, the rest of the garlic and the other two halves of the peppers (red and green) in the blender glass. Mix well to obtain a fine paste.
6. Place a pan over the fire with the oil and the crushed vegetables. Add the stock and cook for 15 minutes over high heat. After this time, add the wine, capers, olives and raisins. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Cover the pan and leave on medium heat for another 30 minutes for a drier sauce. To finish the dish, cut the tongue into strips and cover with the sauce. It can be served with boiled white rice or baked potatoes.

Beef Tongue, a meat to consume from time to time

Beef consumption is very popular, although the tongue and other organ meats are little known. Its most outstanding properties are the presence of proteins, iron and zinc. They are all nutrients the body needs to grow and perform multiple functions.

However, it is convenient to be moderate in their consumption, as they also have contraindications. Its excessive presence in the diet has been linked to the incidence of cancer or cardiovascular disease.

A good way to consume beef and other red meat is to use fresh (unprocessed) and lightly cooked portions, without burning. Thus, its intake can be considered healthy, especially if accompanied by a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet.