When we talk about nutrient-dense foods, oxtail may not be the first thing that comes to mind—but it should be. At REP Provisions, we’re all about bringing the highest quality, regenerative-raised meats to your table, and our oxtail is no exception. Packed with health benefits, nutrients, and a powerhouse of collagen, it's a delicious way to nourish your body from the inside out.
6 Reasons Oxtail Deserves a Spot on Your Plate
Oxtail might sound like an unusual cut of meat, but it’s one of the most flavorful and nutritious. This tail cut comes from grass-fed, regenerative-raised cattle, so you're getting the cleanest and most sustainably produced meat available. Here’s why it should be a regular addition to your meals:
1: Collagen for Joint Health and Skin Vitality
Oxtail is rich in collagen, the protein responsible for healthy skin, joints, and connective tissue. Collagen is often hard to find in modern diets, but it's vital for keeping your joints flexible and your skin firm. For anyone dealing with joint pain, inflammation, or wanting to promote smoother, more youthful-looking skin, oxtail is an easy (and delicious) way to get more collagen into your diet.
2: Amino Acids for Healing and Recovery
Because of its gelatinous texture when slow-cooked, oxtail is packed with amino acids, including glycine and proline, which are essential for muscle repair, gut health, and tissue regeneration. Whether you’re an athlete looking to recover faster or just someone wanting to support overall health, these amino acids are key for cellular repair and recovery.
3: Bone-Building Nutrients
Oxtail isn't just about meat; it also contains bone and marrow, which are rich in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. These minerals are vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth. When you slow-cook oxtail, the nutrients from the bone and marrow break down into the broth, making every bite an opportunity to strengthen your skeletal system.
4: Gut Health and Digestion Support
The gelatin that forms during cooking isn’t just good for your joints; it also soothes and repairs the lining of your digestive tract. If you suffer from gut issues like IBS, leaky gut, or digestive discomfort, oxtail could provide much-needed support by helping to heal the intestinal lining and improve digestion.
5: High in Iron and Other Essential Minerals
Oxtail is a great source of iron, which is essential for energy production and transporting oxygen throughout the body. It’s also rich in zinc, which plays a role in immune function and wound healing, and phosphorus, which helps form healthy bones and teeth. These minerals are often lacking in many diets, but oxtail provides them in abundance.
6: Sustainable and Ethical Choice
At REP Provisions, we take pride in raising cattle using regenerative practices that restore the land, sequester carbon, and support biodiversity. By choosing oxtail from REP Provisions, you're not just feeding your body—you’re also contributing to a sustainable food system that supports small American farms and healthier ecosystems.
7: BONUS REASON. It's Delicious!
How to Enjoy Oxtail
Oxtail is best when slow-cooked, allowing the meat to become tender and the bones to release their nutrient-dense marrow. Whether you’re simmering it in a rich broth for soups and stews or adding it to a braised dish, it’s sure to deliver both flavor and nourishment. Try our Oxtail Bourguinonne recipe.
For a hearty, collagen-rich meal, try braising oxtail with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and bone broth. As it cooks low and slow, the collagen breaks down, transforming into a silky, nutrient-packed sauce that’s as comforting as it is health-boosting.
In Summary
REP Provisions’ oxtail isn’t just a tasty cut of meat—it’s a nutritional powerhouse. From collagen to amino acids, bone-building minerals, and gut-supporting gelatin, oxtail brings a variety of benefits to the table that are hard to match. And when you choose REP, you’re not just eating for your health—you’re eating for the planet, too.
