FAQs

About Our Beef

At Parker Ranch, we are committed to providing high-quality, ethically raised beef. Our cattle are 100% pasture-raised, grass-fed, and grass-finished, which means they graze in open pastures and on natural grasses their entire lives, from start to finish. This approach not only promotes a healthier, more natural diet for the cattle but also results in beef with a richer, more distinct flavor.

We prioritize the well-being of our animals by practicing low-stress animal handling throughout their lives. This ensures our cattle are treated humanely and with care, which is reflected in the quality of the beef.

Parker Ranch beef is Verified Natural by a third-party auditor, meaning our cattle are never given antibiotics. Additionally, our beef is third-party audited to certify that our cattle are non-hormone treated, meaning they are never given growth hormones at any point in their lives.

This dedication to ethical and natural practices results in beef that you can feel good about, knowing it’s produced sustainably and responsibly.

Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How are your perishable products shipped?
    Our ingredients are frozen at the peak of freshness and individually vacuum sealed and packaged. The ingredients are placed inside an  insulated box that has a liner to keep the contents cold.

    Generally, shipping is handled by FedEx; however, we reserve the right to use other shipping couriers as needed. Actual delivery dates may vary.

  2. How do I safely handle the perishable products in my purchase?
    You should always inspect your delivery to confirm that the ingredients arrive in a cool, refrigerated condition. We recommend that you use a thermometer to ensure that the temperature zone within the container in which any meat, poultry or seafood Product is located is 40° F or below. In the unlikely event that such temperature zone is above 40° F.

     To maintain the quality and integrity of the Products, we recommend that you immediately refrigerate all perishable Products upon delivery and follow the U.S.Department of Agriculture’s (“USDA”) instructions on refrigeration and food safety.

  3. How do I cancel my subscription?
    You can cancel your subscription by emailing orders@parkerranch.com.

  4. Can I cancel my subscription at any time?
    Yes, you may cancel your monthly or bimonthly subscription at any time prior to the order invoice date by emailing orders@parkerranch.com. If cancellation occurs after the invoice date, the cancellation request will be processed for the next scheduled invoice.

  5. What if my order of perishable food items is delayed?
    In the case of inclement weather or other events beyond our control that interfere with our ability to deliver your Order, we will attempt to deliver your Order as soon as reasonably possible. In the event of a courier delay, please inspect the contents carefully and email orders@parkerranch.com immediately with any concerns (attaching photos for review).

    In the event that timely delivery of your ingredients is not feasible, we will cancel your delivery for the period so affected and issue you a credit or refund of the purchase price for that delivery.

  6. What is your return/refund policy?

    We are shipping perishable Products and therefore are not able to accept returns. Unlike items that have a longer shelf life, items that are perishable cannot be restocked or resold.

    If you are not completely satisfied with your Parker Ranch products for good reason, please contact orders@parkerranch.com within seven (7) days of receipt. We will happily review your order and any reported issues and offer an appropriate resolution which may include replacement of the Product in question, credit towards your next box, or a partial/full refund. Since we are not able to physically access the product, we may ask that you provide photos of the Product label and damage reported.

  7. How do send a beef box or beef box subscription as a gift?

    1. Select the item(s) you would like to give as a gift and add them to your cart.
    2. On the shopping cart page, you can enter a personalized message to the recipient.
    3. When you check out, add the recipient’s information and delivery address.
    4. Please note that all items in a single order can only be delivered to a single shipping address.

Preparation & Cooking

  1. How do I properly defrost the product once received?

    To safely defrost your grass-fed beef, we recommend the following methods:

    1. Refrigerator Method (Best for Quality): Place your frozen beef in the refrigerator on a plate or in a container. Allow it to defrost gradually over 24-48 hours, depending on the size of the cut. This method keeps the beef at a safe temperature, ensuring the best flavor and texture.
    2. Cold Water Method (Quick Thaw): If you need to thaw your beef more quickly, place the sealed package in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. Small cuts may thaw in about an hour, while larger cuts can take several hours.
    3. Avoid These Methods: Do not defrost beef at room temperature, as this can lead to unsafe bacterial growth. Avoid using a microwave for defrosting, as it can cause uneven thawing and may partially cook the meat, affecting its quality.

    For the best taste and texture, we recommend cooking the beef soon after thawing.

  2. What is the best way to cook or prepare grass-fed beef?
    Grass-fed beef is a bit leaner than grain-fed beef, which means it cooks faster and requires a bit more care. Follow these tips to ensure a delicious and tender result:

    Best Practices:

    1. Bring to Room Temperature: Before cooking, let your beef come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly.
    2. Cook at Lower Temperatures: Since grass-fed beef is leaner, it's best to cook it at slightly lower temperatures than you would for grain-fed beef. Use medium to medium-high heat for grilling, pan-searing, or roasting to avoid overcooking.
    3. Use a Meat Thermometer: Because grass-fed beef can cook 30% faster, using a meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness. Aim for:
      • 120-125°F for rare
      • 130-135°F for medium-rare
      • 140-145°F for medium
    4. Rest Before Serving: Allow your beef to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite.

    What to Avoid:

    1. Overcooking: Grass-fed beef is more sensitive to high heat and can become tough or dry if overcooked. It's best enjoyed at medium-rare to medium doneness.
    2. Skipping the Marinate for Certain Cuts: While tender cuts like ribeye or filet mignon are best with simple seasoning, other cuts like flank or sirloin can benefit from a marinade to enhance tenderness and flavor.
    3. Avoid Constant Flipping: Let your beef develop a proper sear by only flipping it once during cooking. Constant flipping or pressing down can lead to moisture loss and a less juicy steak or burger.

    By following these tips, you'll enjoy the rich, natural flavor and tenderness that Hawaii grass-fed beef has to offer!