Grass fed veal offers an ethical answer to what has, for many, become a moral dilemma. Over the past few decades, veal has earned a bad name in some circles. In fact, even some non-vegetarians are opting not to eat veal because they are concerned about the restrictive conditions in which veal calves are kept.

Recent reports on medication of veal calves - including testosterone injections - have added fuel to the fire. At the same time, those of us who have always enjoyed veal are loathe to give it up - it is the most tender, flavorful meat imaginable, and the central ingredient in so many classic recipes!

Grass fed veal is unmedicated and compassionately raised. Methods of raising veal calves which entail keeping them in restrictive cages to inhibit movement are said to add to the tenderness of the meat by inhibiting muscle formation. Unfortunately, these methods are also cruel - even inhumane. Grass fed veal calves are allowed a more natural life, along with a natural food source.

Medication is either eliminated or kept to an absolute minimum - that means no testosterone injections, and no preventative doses of antibiotics. Medication is administered only when it is absolutely necessary, and since the calves are kept in clean, well-ventilated quarters, outbreaks of illness are relatively rare. All in all, grass fed veal is a much more palatable alternative.

Though it tends to be a bit more expensive, people are going out of their way to purchase grass fed veal that has been raised compassionately. In some cases, this means purchasing veal from a mail order company, because these companies are often better able to verify where their meat comes from. This concern that the public has over where their meat comes from is a very positive development.

It is becoming increasingly clear that factory farming methods are often inhumane and are likely to be unsustainable in the long term. For most of us, though, giving up meat altogether is not the answer. Products such as grass fed veal offer a very viable alternative. You can find healthy veal cuts at MyButcher.com, a superior online butcher shop.