Guelph (ON), August 21, 2009 – While there seems to be an abundant variety of healthy produce, protein options that are lean and versatile can seem limited. Ontario produced veal possesses an impressive protein profile and lean composition compared to other meats and poultry making this meat the perfect protein option for active lifestyles.

The spiel on veal’s protein appeal:
Nutritional needs differ for body builders, avid runners and personal trainers, and even those that consider themselves ‘casually active’, especially when it comes to protein intake. Protein should be consumed in amounts appropriate to an individual’s specific needs. According to registered dietitian and certified personal trainer Alexis Williams, most people can get enough protein through food alone and do not require additional supplements.

“It’s actually quite simple to get enough protein from foods if you aim for a source at most meals and snacks,” says Williams. “Protein is available in so many foods that unless meals cannot be consumed, supplements shouldn’t be necessary. The people most at risk for lacking protein are those who exclude food groups or simply do not eat enough overall calories to support their training.”

A 100 g portion of a veal cutlet contains 36.1 g of protein, compared to 32.8 g in the same portion of roasted chicken breast1. According to Williams, a single portion of veal has enough protein to meet up to a third of a runner’s daily protein requirement.

The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for protein is 0.8 g/kg of body weight for the average person.  Runners for example, require a little more at 1.2-1.7 g/kg, as much as double the amount.  Someone engaging in power sports or resistance training requires anywhere between 1.4-1.7 g/kg2. Despite these higher recommended amounts, Williams maintains that with some planning and knowledge, these needs can be met with real food.

“Most of the diets I’ve analyzed in my practice easily obtain these higher recommended amounts,” says Williams. “A 150 lb runner for example, needs between 80-120 g per day.  With one serving of lean meat, such as a veal chop, two cups of soy beverage or milk and snacks including soy nuts and cottage cheese, the minimum requirements would easily be met.”

Lean plus:
“I’m particularly fond of veal because of its low saturated fat content, high vitamin and mineral content and overall leanness,” says Williams. “It’s the perfect addition to a healthy diet and active life.”

All veal cuts contain 7.5 g of fat or less per 100 g (3-1/2 oz) portion and contain a very low amount of saturated fat. Veal is also an excellent source of iron, zinc and vitamin B12 which are essential for top physical and mental performance and to boost the immune system.
According to a recent consumer survey conducted by Ipsos-Forward Research and commissioned by the Ontario Veal Association, Ontario produced veal is an often overlooked and misunderstood meat protein despite its many health benefits.

Three-quarters of respondents surveyed admitted that overall leanness is important when choosing meat or poultry for a particular meal. Only half of respondents said that veal ranks high on overall leanness proving that a misconception about veal’s health properties exists.

With more than 35 cuts to choose from, the options abound when it comes to incorporating veal into one’s diet. The Ontario Veal Association has developed four new nutrient-dense recipes using three of the most popular veal cuts. From Nut Crusted Veal Cutlets to a Veal and White Bean soup, all of recipes are now available at ontariovealappeal.ca along with a host of other protein-rich options.

Ontario produces both milk-fed and grain-fed veal, each with its own unique flavour profile. Milk-fed is light pink in colour, very tender and has a subtle taste. Grain-fed veal is a darker pink, also very tender, but has a mild beef flavour. In both cases Ontario veal readily adopts various seasonings and sauces making it a versatile lean protein for a variety of dishes.

Incorporating Ontario veal into a healthy diet makes it easy to follow Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating  which recommends eating two to three servings of ‘Meat and Alternatives” daily with a focus on lean food choices. 

About Ontario veal
Ontario veal calves are raised to approximately 295 to 318 kg (650 to 700 lbs.) and next to beef, are one of the oldest of all animals we consume. More than 95 per cent of Ontario farms are family operated and dedicated to producing a high-quality and wholesome product. Various housing methods are used by Ontario veal producers and each allows for a safe and comfortable environment where veal calves can easily interact with each other. Ontario veal is produced in accordance with best practice standards specified by the industry, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

About the Ontario Veal Association
Incorporated in 1990, the Ontario Veal Association is a voluntary, non-profit association that represents the specific needs and interests of more than450 grain-fed and milk-fed veal producers in Ontario.

About the survey
The survey was commissioned by the Ontario Veal Association and conducted by the public opinion research firm Ipsos-Forward Research between May 25th and May 29th, 2009. A total of 1,095 Ontarians were interviewed via an online survey. The results are accurate to within 3 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

For more information about Ontario veal, delicious recipe ideas or to book an interview with Alexis Williams, please contact Katarina Markovinovic at 905-206-0577 x222 or kmarkovinovic@fayeclack.com.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Health Check™ Program is your assurance that this product meets specific nutrient criteria based on Canada’s Food Guide. These cuts of meat are lean. Choosing leaner meats is part of healthy eating. The Ontario Veal Association financially supports the Health Check™ education program. This is not an endorsement. See www.healthcheck.org

  1. Canadian Nutrient File, 2007
  2. Clinical Sports Nutrition (3rd Edition), 2006 by Burke, L. & Deakin, V.

Veal and White Bean Soup

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Grilled Veal Chops with Gremolata

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Vegetable and Veal Roll Ups

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Nut Crusted Veal Cutlets

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Ontario Veal Is Right At Home
Now is the time to start serving fresh Ontario veal if you are looking for a versatile, naturally lean and nutrient-dense addition to a healthy diet. With a subtle taste that easily absorbs flavours, paired with extraordinary tenderness, Ontario veal is destined to move from special occasion to everyday favourite.

With more than 35 cuts to choose from, Ontario veal offers cooking flexibility and can be adapted to countless recipes. That kind of versatility adds variety to family dinners and provides the creative motivation for today’s inspired cooks. 

“People should be cooking more Ontario veal. They’ll find it lean, delicious and exceptionally tender,” said Jennifer Haley, Executive Director of the Ontario Veal Association. “If you’re looking to add a fresh, locally grown protein to your diet, Ontario veal should be on your grocery list.” Read the full text


fact sheets and current media releases

Ontario Veal Brings Barbecue Bliss
Flavour and Seasoning
ONTARIO VEAL … Nutritious and Delicious
Purchasing and Storing Veal
Quick Reminders for Food Safety
Veal Cooking Tips

We have an extensive database of colour images for many of our recipes, available in a variety of formats. For high resolution photos, expert resources, materials or interviews, please contact us

Photos and current media released recipes

Veal and White Bean Soup - Leeks, leafy greens, tomatoes, white beans and ground veal pack a nutrient punch in this simple soup. This Veal and White Bean Soup can be made in advance and reheated before serving. Add a whole grain roll and a piece of fruit for a quick, healthy, energy sustaining meal.

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Grilled Veal Chops with Gremolata - Moist and tender grilled veal chops are a great, lean alternative to the traditional steak. Topped with fresh herbs, bold garlic and aromatic lemon zest, the chops can be served with grilled vegetables and crusty whole grain bread for an effortless and nutritious supper.

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Vegetable and Veal Roll Ups - Peppers, zucchini and onions are paired with tender Ontario veal for this unique healthy supper. The nutrient-dense vegetables are wrapped in protein-rich veal and topped off with a light but savoury cream sauce.

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Nut Crusted Veal Cutlets - High in iron, B12 and zinc, these Ontario veal cutlets will provide the energy boost you need before or after a workout. The simple coating of toasted nuts imparts a rich flavour as well as additional protein. Serve the cutlets with an heirloom tomato and arugula salad for a well-balanced meal.

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Veal Scaloppini with Fennel, Radicchio and Citrus Salad - Served warm, this veal scaloppini salad combines both sweet and savoury flavours. Fennel, radicchio, mache, almonds and orange segments are dressed with a simple maple Dijon vinaigrette creating the perfect lunch or light dinner.

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Veal and Root Vegetable Stew - This simple stew is bursting with the sweet flavour of root vegetables, complemented by the mild taste of tender Ontario veal. The late addition of the carrots, parsnips and turnips allows them to retain their fresh flavour and form. Serve with crusty whole grain bread and a glass of your favourite red wine.

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Cornmeal Crusted Veal Scaloppini with Roasted Tomato "Jam" - A healthy alternative to chicken parmesan, Cornmeal Crusted Veal Scaloppini will bring something new and exciting to the dinner table.

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Ground Veal Mushroom Herb Loaves - Nothing says summer like cool, refreshing gazpacho – our version, served in shot glasses and garnished with an Ontario veal-topped crostini, transforms this classic soup into a modern appetizer.

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Gazpacho with Ontario Veal Tenderloin Crostini and Crème Fraîche - Nothing says summer like cool, refreshing gazpacho – our version, served in shot glasses and garnished with an Ontario veal-topped crostini, transforms this classic soup into a modern appetizer.

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Grilled Ontario Veal T-Bone with Fig Confit and Spiced Sweet Potato Wedges - The ultimate indulgence – the T-bone – becomes a tender, moist marvel in this recipe that pairs Ontario veal with a rosemary-infused, fruity fig confit and golden roasted sweet potatoes.

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Grilled Ontario Veal Tenderloin Wrapped with Wild Boar Bacon - Tender, mild Ontario veal absorbs the smoky flavour of bacon perfectly; but grilled, smothered with our creamy, luscious mustard sauce and served with Yukon Gold frites, it is taken to new culinary heights.

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Mini Ontario Veal Burgers on Brioche - Mini burgers mean maximum flavour in this recipe using ground Ontario veal and classic spices topped with Caesar salad, Oka cheese, grilled Portobello mushroom caps and caramelized onions.

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Ontario Veal Brochettes with Mojito Salad - The summery flavours of mint, rum and fresh fruit marry in this stunning plated salad featuring Ontario veal. Ideal for a starter or light entrée, this salad is perfect with a light Pinot Grigio and a loaf of crusty French bread.

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Seared Ontario Veal Striploin with Coriander Salsa in Cucumber Cups - Fresh cucumber cups make simple, stylish bases for these impressive hors d'oeuvres.

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English Style Braised Veal in Stout - On a damp chilly evening, take note from the English and warm up with a pint and a hearty serving of our Braised Veal in Stout.

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Individual Ontario Veal Pies - Lean Ontario veal is a nutritious choice to substitute for many of your regular beef favourites – and our delicious, well-spiced stew can be the basis for a number of great variations.

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Ontario Veal Medallions with Caramelized Onion and Fennel - Who says Friday’s bistro fare can’t be re-created mid-week at home?

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Ontario Veal Paprikash - Smoked paprika and fine-grained Ontario veal elevate this traditional Hungarian dish which is the perfect balance of sweet heat (from the paprika) and creamy cool (from the sour cream).

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Rack of Ontario Veal with Pan Roasted Vegetables - Sunday is meant for relaxing, and what better way to wrap up the day than with this succulent Ontario veal roast – remarkably simple to prepare, it brings the classic flavours of garlic, rosemary and thyme to life. 

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Sweet Chili Thai Veal Wraps - Authentic Thai flavours can take a lot of time to prepare. Take a shortcut with this recipe – with little preparation, mild Ontario veal absorbs the fresh flavours of Thai basil, sweet chili and soy sauce.

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agency contact information

Faye Clack Communications Inc.
E-mail: info@ontariovealappeal.ca
Phone: 905-206-0577 Fax: 905-206-0581
Address: 170 Robert Speck Parkway
Mississauga, ON L4Z 3G1

News releases

Ontario Veal Re-Elects President Judy Dirksen
New Look For The OVA's Consumer Education Program
Ova Welcomes Fallis As Communications Coordinator

 

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