 Healthy, high-protein snacks that are easy and portable
Author: Stephen Gleave Eating right is super important when you’re an athlete. The right snack keeps you going between workouts, helps your muscles recover, and fuels your performance. As an experienced runner who also works at a busy law firm, healthy, high-protein snacks help me get through the day feeling alert and energized. I’ve compiled a list of my top favourite high-protein and portable snacks. 1. Greek Yogurt I love Greek yogurt because it's convenient and easy on the stomach. Depending on the brand you buy, a serving of Greek yogurt contains anywhere from 16 to 20 grams of protein. I find it is especially good to eat after a long run or as a mid-day snack at work. I like to eat it with berries, granola, and honey. Sometimes I add chia seeds or nuts, it really depends on what my taste buds are craving when I make it. 2. Beef Jerky Beef jerky is another personal favourite. A one ounce serving of beef jerky contains nearly 9.5 grams of protein. I carry some in my bag with me to eat at work or after a gym session. I find it to be useful on long days when meals get pushed back. The only downside of beef jerky is that it can be high in salt, so I try to choose brands that are slightly lower in sodium and eat the jerky with a piece of fruit on the side. 3. Hard Boiled Eggs Hard boiled eggs are simple, affordable, and a very healthy snack. One egg contains just over 6 grams of protein. I typically have two eggs per serving for maximum protein to keep me full until my next meal. I’ll prep a bunch of them at the start of the week so they’re ready to grab when I want them. 4. Trail Mix Trail mix is a great option when I need quick energy. One 50 gram serving holds about 5.5 grams of protein. The downside of store-bought brands is they tend to include candy and chocolate. I like to make my own trail mix to keep the salt and sugar content minimal. My favourite combo is usually unsalted cashews and almonds, pumpkin seeds, and unsweetened raisins or cranberries. 5. Apples & Peanut Butter Last but not least, apples and peanut butter is a tasty, high-protein combination snack. One medium apple with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter contains 7.5 grams of protein. This is one of my favourite snacks to have during the fall when I can pick apples from my orchard and eat them fresh off the branch. They’re super juicy and delicious. Tip: to prevent your apples from turning brown during the day, drizzle a tiny bit of lemon juice on them. Snacking well doesn’t have to be complicated. These are the snacks I rely on to stay fueled, focused, and ready to train. If you’re an athlete juggling workouts with a busy schedule, keeping simple high protein options on hand can make a big difference. - - - - Connect / Follow: F6s Crunchbase Twitter/X Slideshare Read More: Food as Recovery: What Running Taught Me About Eating Right How to Beat the Heat During a Summer Run Building a Biodiverse Homestead in Ancaster: How I Support The Local Ecosystem The Best Fruit Trees to Grow in Ontario Exploring the Delights of Hamilton's Thriving Culinary Scene  When I initially started running, I believed the only thing that counted was how many kilometres I could log. I believed that by training consistently, I would become stronger, quicker, and tougher. I took some time to understand that the job isn’t finished when you leave the road or track. Recovery is equally vital as the training, and nutrition is one of the most effective means we have to achieve proper recovery.
Running breaks the body down. Muscles get small tears, joints take impact, and energy stores get drained. The rebuilding process is where the gains actually happen, and the quality of what I put into my body affects how well that process works. I’ve learned the hard way that grabbing whatever is convenient after a run doesn’t do me any favours. If I fuel with empty calories, I feel sluggish, I don’t bounce back as quickly, and injuries start creeping in. When I eat foods that truly support recovery, I notice the difference almost immediately. Protein is essential for me. After long runs, I make sure I’m getting enough to help repair muscle damage. That doesn’t mean a massive steak every night. Eggs, fish, and lentils are great sources of protein to consume after a workout. Beyond that, I’ve become more aware of the role anti-inflammatory foods play. Leafy greens, berries, and nuts help reduce the kind of inflammation that can linger in the joints. It’s not just theory. When I make those foods a regular part of my diet, I feel less sore and more able to lace up again the next day. Hydration also should not be ignored. I used to think that as long as I stayed hydrated with water while running, I was fine. However, recovery involves restoring electrolytes and minerals, too. Coconut water, bananas, or sprinkling some salt on meals help replenish what’s been depleted. It may seem easy, but the distinction becomes clear in how consistent my energy feels during the day. Timing also carries its own significance. I’ve observed that consuming food in the initial hour after a run significantly affects recovery outcomes. If I delay too much, it seems my body loses a chance to replenish itself adequately. Combining protein and carbs during that period influences how I’ll feel not just later that day but also the next morning. Everything relates to the overall concept of health and performance. Running has instilled in me discipline and consistency, while nutrition has imparted patience. You can’t see the benefits of a single nutritious meal, similar to how you don’t change after one lengthy run. The outcomes stem from consistently making wise decisions each day. When I view food as a means of recovery, I excel in all aspects of my life. I run with more strength, my thoughts are clearer, and I have the energy required to handle the challenges of both training and my job.  Running is a big part of my life. I usually run between 50 and 60 km a week - more when I’m training for a competition or event. I love the exercise and the time outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine, as well as the beautiful scenery. It’s an effective way to calm myself and gain clarity from the day-to-day grind without any distractions.
We all know that Canada presents some challenges when it comes to running and extreme winter cold, but most don’t know that Southern Ontario can get extremely hot and humid during the summer. We topped 40 degrees this week, and it’s only mid-June! I’ve had to factor the heat into all of my running plans for the month. This got me thinking about some good tips for staying cool during the warmer months. So, based on my research and preparation, here are four easy ways to beat the heat when going for a summer run.
Plan to run when the temperatures are at their lowest. Avoid the middle of the day - it’s a recipe for dehydration and heatstroke. Early mornings and evenings are your best bet. That’s when the air is at its coolest, and you won’t overheat or fatigue so quickly.
Wear fabrics that breathe, and avoid black or very dark clothing. Light-colored, moisture-wicking shirts and shorts are the go-to’s - they’ll keep you from feeling like you’re running in a sauna. Also, ditch the jogging pants and extra accessories, like fanny packs or heavy headphones. Be smart and just wear shorts and a T-shirt, or summer running apparel specifically designed to let your skin vent and your sweat evaporate. People not familiar with running in the summer heat may be tempted to bring a giant canteen of water and gulp down as much as possible while hoofing out your route. This isn’t the way to do it, as ingesting too much H20 while exerting yourself can cause cramping or nausea. Instead, drink 16-20 ounces of water (that’s roughly 500–600 millilitres in metric) in the one or two hours leading up to your run. When you’re actually out and zipping through a trail or your neighbourhood, take a sip every 15-20 minutes, especially if you’re running for longer than half an hour, and most especially if the heat is accompanied by substantial humidity. After all, once you’re dehydrated, it’s already too late to fix it mid-run.
This is the key thing to keep in mind. It might seem like obvious advice, but runners can be a special breed. Many of us like to attack our routes, set personal records for speed and distance, and give each and every run our all. But when the sun’s beating down and there’s a lot of humidity, it’s critical to adjust your effort accordingly. This might mean slowing your pace, shortening your run, or even swapping a long run for some breaks in the shade. Listen to your body and do what it tells you it needs to stay safe and healthy. In summary, to beat the heat during a summer run, it’s important to run during either the early mornings or twilight hours, dress accordingly, hydrate strategically, and—most importantly of all—adjust your effort to meet the weather conditions. Stay cool out there!  I love having a homestead and relish the opportunities nature affords me and my family. Not only do I reap the benefits of personal sustenance through the plants I grow, orchards I tend, and animals I raise, but our land is vital to the preservation of the local ecosystem.
The importance of biodiversity in gardening, particularly in Ancaster, Ontario, with its unique climate and wildlife, cannot be stressed enough. The Niagara escarpment, of which Ancaster is a part, is home to over 300 bird species, 55 mammals, 36 reptile and amphibian species, and 90 fish species, making it the Canadian Biosphere Reserve with the greatest ecological diversity according to findings from UNESCO. Protecting such a rich ecosystem is not only critical to the area's health, it is a privilege. On my farm, I try to maintain biodiversity and would love to share my tips for protection and conservation. Selecting Native Plants Native plants are adapted to the local soil and weather conditions, making them more resilient to climate changes and easier to maintain overall. I’m also a big proponent of companion planting, for example, planting marigolds with vegetables to deter pests and nasturtium around my leafy greens to encourage pests to eat the bright flowers as opposed to my salad mixings. For the Ancaster region, these are some of my favorites to plant in my garden and around my property:
Water Conservation is Critical to Sustainable LandscapingI encourage all of my associates to install rain barrels to capture water from roofs, use the runoff to water the garden, and cut down on water usage from the main line. Not only does this practice reduce my overall water costs, it’s eco-friendly and requires almost no effort on my part. Another way I conserve water is through the installation of a drip irrigation system. Drip irrigation is 90% efficient at allowing plants to use the water applied. By reducing runoff and evaporation, drip irrigation applies the water slowly at the plant root zone where it is needed most. I have my system on a timer allowing me to ensure the optimal amount of water reaches the plants that need it the most throughout the day. Creating Habitats and Encouraging VisitorsWhile I understand not everyone is as excited about woodland creatures visiting their farm as I am, I do consider it my responsibility to ensure that the local wildlife feel welcome and provided for on my land. To do this, one of the things I do is build small brush piles using twigs and branches along the edging of my property which serve as shelter for small mammals and insects, promoting biodiversity. In addition, I have several birdhouses around the property to attract local species like bluebirds or chickadees. I ensure that the bird feed I use is beneficial to the specific species we find in the area and quite enjoy making it myself. And you can’t have birdhouses and feeders without a birdbath! These are beautiful centerpieces in flower beds and are useful to attract wildlife and provide drinking water for birds and other small creatures. The benefits of creating a biodiverse garden are clear and relatively easy to do as well. As stewards of the land, safeguarding the harmony between self-sufficiency and environmental protection and conservation is important.  There’s nothing quite as delicious as biting into an apple that you’ve grown in your own backyard. Something so satisfying about knowing exactly where it’s come from and how it’s been tended to. And although it would be nice if we could grow whatever we wanted; there are certain types of fruits that just don’t do well in our climate. You aren’t going to see a lot of mango trees here in Ontario. Now that you are starting to see the trees ripe with different fruits, ready for the picking, I thought I would take a moment to discuss what I consider to be the five best fruit trees to plant in Ontario. The ones that are likely to yield the best harvest for you.
Pears Pear trees fit nicely into any backyard, require little care, and their fruit is downright tasty. Pears generally have fewer pest issues than other sorts of fruit trees, and although they can take anywhere from 3-10 years to bear fruit once they start producing they have a very long lifespan. Pear trees should be planted in the early spring in a full-sun area of your yard and one that has decent airflow. One thing to keep in mind with pear trees however is that they are not self-pollinating so you would need two cultivators to make sure you yield fruit. Pears are at the peak for harvest in the early fall; from the end of August to October. Cherries Cherries are not only a delicious fruit, their trees are beautiful in the spring when they are covered in white or pink blossoms, adding a great aesthetic to anyone’s yard. There are two basic kinds of cherry trees, sweet and sour, so know which one you are planting since sour cherries are not meant to be eaten raw; although they can handle colder growing climates. Cherry trees don’t generally require much pruning as they tend to thin themselves out in the spring. They do however benefit from a lot of moisture so applying a mulch coating around the base in the spring is recommended. Cherries are ripe when they have turned a deep red color, typically in late June or early July. One thing to note about picking cherries, it is best to cut them from the tree with pruning scissors, as the stems that attach them to the tree are a bit fragile. Plums Less demanding than some other kinds of trees, plum trees are great for first-time planters. They don’t require a lot of upkeep and are a fairly hardy type of tree able to survive in even colder areas like Northern Ontario. When planting a plum tree look for a spot that gets at least six hours of sun during the day and does have well-draining soil with not too much clay. If you can find a sheltered spot to avoid significant wind it will also be beneficial. They do need some light thinning in the spring to avoid breakage from the weight of the fruit but other than that are a self-sustaining tree. And plums have a very long harvest season. You can expect to be able to be picking plums from your tree anywhere from May all the way to October. That’s a lot of plums. Peaches Delicious juicy peaches, their fragrance just fills the air. Peach trees are a great choice when looking to plant a fruit tree in your backyard. Depending on the type you choose they can handle climates as cold as -28 degrees Celsius. Peach trees are best planted in the early spring once the ground has thawed. You’ll want to select a sight with full sun, especially morning sun, that has decent drainage. The great part about peach trees is that they are self-fertilizing so most of the time you will not have to do anything extra for fruit to be produced. They do need regular pruning to stay healthy, but the crop they yield will be worth it. You would typically be able to pick your peaches from the tree in July or August. Apples Probably the very best fruit tree you could choose would be the apple. They are hardy trees designed to stand up to the elements of nature, can handle hot and cold temperatures, and there are over 100 different varieties; depending on whether you are looking for cooking apples, snacking on apples, sweet or sour, crunchy is a bit soft. Apple trees can grow in large yards or smaller spaces as well. And unlike other types of trees that should only be planted in the spring, you can plant apple trees in the fall. They do well in moderately rich soil that isn’t too wet, and they do best when they receive at least six hours of sun daily. Be sure to regularly water younger trees to make sure their roots grow deep. Apple trees don’t require a ton of pruning, but they are prone to pests; so it is worth looking into natural pesticides if you are hoping for a significant crop. They too have a decent harvest season, stretching anywhere from August into October.  Hamilton, Ontario may not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking of great food destinations in Canada, but this industrial city is home to a burgeoning culinary scene that is sure to surprise and delight foodies of all kinds. With its diverse population and proximity to the rich agricultural regions of Southern Ontario, Hamilton boasts a unique culinary identity that draws from both local traditions and global influences.
One of the best ways to discover Hamilton's culinary scene is by exploring its vibrant farmers' markets. The Hamilton Farmers' Market, located in the heart of downtown, is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of the city's local produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. The market has been in operation since 1837 and features over 60 vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to artisanal chocolates and handcrafted breads. Be sure to stop by the Cheese Shoppe for a taste of the region's famous cheddars and blues, or grab a fresh juice or smoothie from the Juice Bar. Another great way to sample the flavors of Hamilton is by checking out the city's many eclectic eateries. For a taste of authentic Italian cuisine, head to Romano's Ristorante, a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up classic dishes like pasta carbonara and chicken parmigiana for over 40 years. For something a bit more contemporary, check out The Burnt Tongue, a cozy spot that specializes in gourmet soups and sandwiches. The menu changes daily, so you're always in for a surprise. If you're a fan of craft beer, be sure to visit Merit Brewing, which offers a rotating selection of house-brewed beers and delicious small plates like crispy fried chicken sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas. Hamilton is also known for its thriving food truck scene, which can be found at various locations throughout the city. One of the most popular trucks is Gorilla Cheese, which serves up a variety of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning cheese-lover. For something a bit more exotic, check out the MeatVentures food truck, which specializes in global street food like Korean fried chicken and Japanese-style ramen. Finally, no exploration of Hamilton's culinary scene would be complete without a visit to Cake and Loaf Bakery. This local favorite offers an array of delectable baked goods, from flaky croissants to savory meat pies to indulgent chocolate cakes. Everything is made from scratch using local, seasonal ingredients, so you know you're getting the freshest possible flavors. If you're looking for a food destination that offers something a bit different from the usual suspects, be sure to put Hamilton, Ontario on your list. With its diverse culinary offerings and passionate food community, this city is sure to leave you full and satisfied.  If you’re going to take a crack at gardening and growing your own crops, start out with herbs! Herbs are a great reminder that it doesn’t take much to make a big and wonderful difference in your everyday life. They’re the MVPs of the garden. What’s more? You can even grow them inside.
You can use them in cooking, teas, aromatherapy, homemade skincare, and even as a key element in a pollinator garden. As a matter of fact, once you start growing and cooking with fresh herbs, you’ll never go back to their dry cousins. If you’re going to grow anything as a beginner, let it be herbs. They will most certainly change your life. Bring cuttings and divisions inside to grow on sunny windowsills throughout the season, or start a fresh batch of herbs in small containers from either seeds or starts. But here are some tips for success: Keep a few basic principles in mind when growing any plant, whether that’s inside or outside. Tip 1: Locate the sunniest window or area where grow lights can easily be placed, such as under existing kitchen cabinets perhaps. How much sun does your sunniest window receive on an average day? Plants requiring full sun need a minimum of 6-8 hours of sun a day in order to thrive, while plants that tolerate partial sun need a minimum of 4-6 hours of sun a day. Tip 2: Always plant in containers that have good drainage. It’s okay to use a decorative drain without holes. This will help protect indoor surfaces but plan to plant in containers with drainage that then fit inside said the chosen planter. This way water runs freely, ensuring your plants aren’t waterlogged. Tip 3: Work with the best possible potting soil you can find. An organic potting mix designed for containers high in organic matter and peat-free is ideal. Tip 4: Begin with a handful of plants, like the ones you cook with the most. If you find yourself reaching for parsley – grow parsley. If a dash of fresh cilantro is the flavour you like, grow cilantro. Start with two to five plants while working out your system and keep in mind, you don’t need to grow all the food you eat. Think of your indoor garden as a method of augmenting and inspiring your everyday cooking. 10 of the easiest herbs to grow indoors The list below is a great launchpad for beginners looking for herbs to grow. These are plants that have proven themselves to be easy growers. They’re tolerant of growing in confined spaces and variable conditions. My hope is that this list will narrow down your plant selection, providing immediate success and enjoyment.
Other edibles to consider growing indoors
 It’s hard to keep up with all the outdoor gear these days.
Even the simplest of sports, like running, has expanded into a seemingly endless wealth of options including clothes, hats, hydration packs, socks and many more things I’m sure I don’t know about. And then there’s fly fishing, a sport that revels in the small details of lures and equipment. So in a way, the desire to always have more toys has a long pedigree with fly fishing. Add to that trend the explosion of modern technology — and you’ve got a recipe for lots of gear on a fly fisherman’s wish list. Here are some of the fly fishing gifts I would suggest checking out. Fly Tying Kit - Orvis Tying flies is easily one of the most attractive parts of the sport for many fishermen. Even for lifetime anglers, catching a fish with a fly you tied yourself brings a special satisfaction. But few kits for tying flies come with all the bells and whistles of the Orvis Fly Tying Kit. At nearly $200, this kit doesn’t come cheap, but it has everything you need to hit the streams with your own flies. Even veterans looking for a new kit will want to check this out. Tenkara Rod Co. - Beartooth Everybody needs to start somewhere, and few companies offer a better beginner fly fishing kit than Tenkara. In fact, the company is also beloved by pro-level fishermen, but the Beartooth kit doesn’t throw you in the deep end — it’s basic with the point of learning the fundamentals. At about $225, it’s reasonably priced and it won’t break in two weeks. You’ll get many hours of fun on the river out of this fly fishing kit. With a rod, fly, lures, and more, you get everything you need to hit the creek right in a condensed package. Wading Boots - Korkers If you’ve already been fly fishing for a while, and you feel like a small but significant upgrade, consider your boots. If you’re like lots of other fly fishing beginners, it’s very likely that you’re still wearing some DIY or secondhand version of actual wading boots. If so, Korkers brand wading boots are worth a look. They come with interchangeable soles for different water conditions. When the soles wear out, you simply replace them — not the boot. In the long run, this will save you money on boots, it’s environmentally conscious, and — most important — they’re some of the best boots a fly fisherman can use. They’re available in sizes for both men and women. Fishing Kayaks and Canoes - Old Town And finally we get to the gift that every fisherman, from raw beginner to seasoned veteran, would want to take on their next fishing trip. The answer is a fishing kayak. And not just any fishing kayak, but if you want to get the best, you should check out the kayaks from Old Town. The Sportsman line, which has several models ranging in price, is probably the best fly fishing kayak out there. But the most amazing model is the Sportsman AutoPilot, which won Best of Show at ICAST last year. It doesn’t require paddling or peddling — just a remote control and a small motor. If James Bond enjoyed fly fishing, I’m pretty sure he would be doing it with this boat. Stay tuned for more of my thoughts, suggestions — and possibly dubious anecdotes — on the beautiful sport of fly fishing. You know what your grandpa says about always having room in your stomach for dessert? I believe that to be true. As someone who loves food, and loves exposing my friends and family to new foods, dessert is just as important as all those savoury, meal-time dishes.
The best thing to do after a meal is find a good dessert place, and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has some of the best. From French to Japanese to fusion, these dessert places probably have what you’re looking for: sweet and decadent desserts to fulfil those cravings. 1. Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery | 93A Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z2 Whether you’re looking to indulge in an ice cream sandwich, cookies or an entire pint of house-made ice cream, Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery has everything from baked goods to interesting flavours of ice cream. They offer flavours like “Golden Oreo” and “Burnt Toffee,” with the option of eating it from a cup, a waffle cone or in one of their fresh cookies as a sandwich. Not feeling ice cream? That’s totally fine, you can purchase their cookies by themselves or a cinnamon roll. Make sure you plan when you visit Bang Bang, the line to get your hands on their delicious desserts is usually around the block. 2. Daan Go Cake Lab | 241 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 3A8 Opened by Canada’s 2021 Masterchef on season 7 of the show, Christopher Siu wanted to combine his East Asian Heritage with his upbringing in the west to create tasty desserts. Daan Go Cake Lab makes edible treats like macarons with faces, tiramisu, and different flavours of cakes, as well as drinks like Thai milk tea and a cold brew espresso: creamy Tira-Meow-Su. You can also buy entire cakes for special occasions and novelty treats like cake in the shape of a succulent plant or a bathtub. 3. Dainties Macaron | 235 Spadina Ave. Unit 2, Toronto, ON M5T 2E2 Unlike many other dessert places, Dainties Macaron focuses on one single food: macarons. With over 20 varieties of macarons, you can choose from East Asian-influenced treats like the Vietnamese Coffee and Hong Kong Milk Tea flavours, or pick a branded flavour like Oreo and Froot Loops Milk. What’s unique about Dainties Macaron is the macaron ice cream sandwich. They are constantly adding new flavours, so it’s worth going over there more than once. 4. Fugo Desserts | 265 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z4 To inspire their unique desserts, Fugo Desserts draws from flavours around the world to bring you a new experience with every taste. Originally Fugo served ice cream only, but has since expanded to a diverse range of treats. Among their ice creams are fruity and creamy options like Tropical Paradise, the classes Cookies N’ Cream or the Boba Flotea HK. Fugo also specialises in mini doughnuts with flavours like Cookie Monster, Strawberry Pocky and Creme Brulee. While you’re there, try one of their drinks, which include teas, coffees and juices. 5. Mon K Patisserie | 1040 Coxwell Ave, East York, ON M4C 3G5 Looking for more of a flour-based snack? Check out Mon K Pâtisserie located in East York. Mon K is changing their menu every season, so you never know what new pastry you’re going to find with each visit. You can expect dessert classics like buttery croissants flavoured with chocolate or powdered sugar, creamy eclairs and a variety of cakes.  Scottish Highland cattle are a hardy breed of rustic that originated in the Scottish Highland the Outer Hebrides islands of Scotland. They are known for their long horns and shaggy coats, which help them to withstand cold temperatures in the region. The first Scottish Highland herd dates back to just 1885. This breed of cattle is descended from the Hamitic Longhorn, which was brought to Britain by Neolithic farmers before Christ was born. The 1885 herd book describes two distinct types of Scottish Highland cattle. One was known as the West Highland or Kyloe, which lived mostly in the Outer Hebrides. These cattle were smaller and had black coats. The other type of Scottish Highland cattle described in the original herd book was known as the mainland, which was larger and ranged in color, but most frequently were reddish. The two types of Scottish Highland cattle have been crossbred so much over the years that there really is no longer a difference between the two; there is just one variant of Scottish Highland cattle today. Canada’s Scottish Highland Cattle Scottish Highland Cattle were first imported to Canada in the 1880s, shortly after the breed’s origination. Donald A. Smith, the Lord Strathcona of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Robert Campbell of Strathclair, Manitoba, each imported one bull. Scottish Highland cattle were also brought to Nova Scotia in the 1880s. But the cattle’s numbers were small until the 1920s, when large-scale breeding and more importing began. The Canadian Highland Cattle Society was registered in 1964; it currently registers all purebred cattle in Canada. Today, Scottish Highland cattle are primarily found in eastern Canada. There are an estimated 11,000 Scottish Highland cattle in Canada and the United States combined. Their specs Scottish Highland cattle have long, wide horns and long, wavy, wooly coats. About 60 percent of their population is reddish brown, 22 percent are yellow and the rest are silver, black or brindle/dun. Whatever their color, Scottish Highland cattle sport an unusual double coat of hair. On the outside, they have oily outer hair – the longest of any cattle breed, which covers a downy undercoat. This makes them comfortable in the Highlands, which sometimes have strong winds and a lot of rain each year. Bulls can weigh up to 800 kilograms and heifers can weigh up to 500 kilograms. They typically measure from 90 to 120 centimeters. Socially, the cattle have a hierarchy of dominance, which reduces aggression between cows. According to studies of Scottish Highland cattle, social standing within the herd depends on age and sex, with older, male cows being the most dominant. Commercial market The beef from Scottish Highland cattle is extremely tender, making it desirable. It is lean, but well marbled and usually rated as “premium beef.” But the market for high-quality meat is in decline. That’s due at least in part because pure Scottish Highland beef commands a premium price due to its fine texture, succulent flavor and high protein content. Studies in Scotland have found that Scottish Highland meat is lower in both fat and cholesterol than chicken. It’s also high in iron. Farming Scottish Highland cattle is not intensive. They usually graze on land that is not suitable for growing food. Thus, Scottish Highland cattle farming is considered to be highly environmentally sustainable. |
AuthorStephen Gleave of Ancaster, Ontario is a lawyer and a nature lover. Archives
January 2023
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