Who Beefed?

Let me start by saying I am not a vegetarian. I did not get this sweet, fluffy bod by eating salads or forgoing cheese. I’m a burger connoisseur not by choice but by calling. I didn’t choose the burger life. It chose me.

I’m not duped by imitation meats, in burgers or otherwise. That’s not to say I don’t like them; I’m just saying if you haven’t had the real stuff in years, you’re in no position to tell a carnivore that the weird fermented soy crumbles stuffing your tortilla are indistinguishable from a greasy, delicious, beefy taco.

I’m also not duped into thinking excessive meat consumption comes without consequence. The United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) found that 18% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions are caused by livestock production¹. The same study claims 70% of what was once the Amazon rainforest is now livestock pastures and feed crops and as a chief driver in deforestation, it’s also behind the dramatic decline in biodiversity. Animal agriculture accounts for one-third of the world’s freshwater use, and 65% of the population is projected to be living in water-stressed areas by 2025. With an increasing global population and meat consumption on the rise, these numbers will continue to climb. Ouch. BUT To keep this short and savory, we’ll go into the impact of our food consumption at another time.

I am trying to reduce my meat consumption. It’s better for my wallet, waist, and world. So, while dining at a burger bar, I tried the Impossible Burger in lieu of a traditional patty. I was expecting something along the lines of a black bean burger, which I have enjoyed many times before. But no, THIS WAS UNBELIEVABLE. Despite its meatless makeup, it tasted like a perfectly seasoned patty sizzled up at the finest dingy dive bar Guy Fieri’s hair could illuminate.

According to their website, compared to cows, the Impossible Burger uses 95% less land, 74% less water, and creates 87% less greenhouse gas emissions. That’s fantastic. But what’s even better is that it is seriously delicious. I’m drooling at my keyboard just thinking about it. Sadly, they do not sell directly to the consumer; you have to find a restaurant that serves them. But good news! There’s a ton of them in my area, so hopefully, they’re in yours too. Even if you’re not sold on reducing your carnivorous habits, it’s worth eating anyway. It’s that good.

1. Steinfeld, Henning; Gerber, Pierre; Wassenaar, Tom; Castel, Vincent; Rosales, Mauricio; de Haan, Cees (2006), Livestock's Long Shadow: Environmental Issues and Options (PDF), Rome: FAO