FAQ

> What’s the difference between fresh and flash-frozen meat?

The problem with fresh meat is its very freshness. Much of the meat for sale in grocery stores is from animals slaughtered 5 or 7 days previous. The nerve tissue is still stressed, and the meat can be full of water. This is why it’s preferable to age meat for several days before eating it.

Ask Us Your Questions!

> What’s the difference between flash-freezing and ordinary freezing?

Freezing takes place at temperatures above -18 °C. A slow cooling process transforms the water content of the meat into ice crystals. During thawing, these crystals can damage cellular structure and cause nutrients to leach out. The result is bland, dried-out meat. Flash freezing is a fast freezing technique that takes place at -60 °C. This process creates finer ice crystals, which limits damage to the meat. The flesh retains its original texture, and can be kept for longer periods of time (up to 18 months with no loss of quality.) At Garde-Manger, all of our products are flash-frozen.


> What’s the best way to contact Garde-Manger?

You can call us directly at 1-800-593-6003. If you prefer to contact us by email, please send a message to info@garde-manger.com.

> Do you guarantee the quality of your products?

Absolutely. We offer a 100% quality guarantee. Your customer service agent will be happy to provide you with details.

> What are the main reasons I should use your services?

  • Your family deserves the best food money can buy;
  • You’ll always have a top-quality meal that’s ready to enjoy in minutes;
  • Your food budget will be easy to manage, with simple, interest-free monthly payments;
  • The meat we deliver to you comes with a 100% quality guarantee;
  • You’ll be putting time on your side, with fewer trips to the grocery store;

> Is your meat 60% or 90% fat free?

Unlike supermarket meat products, our cuts of meat are 90% fat free, which means more meat for your money.

> Where does your beef come from?

We source all of our beef from Lethbridge, Alberta. This region is known the world over for the quality of its cattle, thanks to a unique combination of climate and grazing pastures.

> What is a steer?

A steer is a male cow that is less than 24 months old. At this age, the meat is leaner and more tender. At Garde-Manger, all our beef cuts come from young steers.

> How is the meat aged?

Aging meat is an important step before selling it for consumption. We hang our sides of beef for 18 to 21 days in our cold rooms. This allows nerve tissue to relax and for water to drain off. The resulting meat is much more tender.

> Does frozen meat need to be thawed before cooking?

Yes. Our flash-frozen, vacuum-sealed cuts of meat will keep for weeks in your freezer, and all thaw within 15 minutes in a cold-water bath.