Argentina and Texas fans debate beef quality at World Cup
6 reported
As Argentina fans gather in Texas for the World Cup, a friendly debate has emerged over which region produces the best beef. Texas ranks first in U.S. beef production, and the U.S. is second globally behind Brazil, while Argentina ranks sixth, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Argentine chef Carlos Eduardo Barahona, who has lived in Texas since 1998, said Argentine beef is "simply unbeatable" due to its grass-fed, leaner flavor. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller countered that "there's no better beef than U.S. beef, particularly Texas beef," and noted that Texas has helped improve Argentine cattle genetics through semen, embryos, and breeding stock. Some Argentine fans, like Gonzalo Herrera, said they do not see a massive difference between the two, while others, like Fernando Garcia Morillo, prefer the simpler Argentine preparation of salt only. The debate ultimately comes down to personal taste, with Texans often using pepper, butter, and barbecue sauce, while Argentines favor salt and mesquite charcoal.
What’s reported
Texas ranks No. 1 in U.S. beef production; the U.S. is second globally behind Brazil; Argentina ranks sixth, per the USDA.
Argentine chef Carlos Eduardo Barahona, who has lived in Texas since 1998, said Argentine beef is "simply unbeatable" due to grass-fed, leaner meat.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said "there's no better beef than U.S. beef, particularly Texas beef," and that Texas has helped improve Argentine cattle genetics.
Argentine fan Gonzalo Herrera said he does not see a massive difference between the beefs.
Argentine fan Fernando Garcia Morillo said he orders steak with just salt and no pepper in the U.S.
At Corrientes 348 Argentinian Steakhouse in Dallas, steaks are prepared with salt and mesquite charcoal only, according to assistant manager Emmanuel Tobon.
Key figures
Carlos Eduardo Barahona, Argentine chef living in Texas since 1998
Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner
Gonzalo Herrera, Argentine fan
Emmanuel Tobon, assistant manager at Corrientes 348 Argentinian Steakhouse
Fernando Garcia Morillo, Argentine from Buenos Aires living near Miami
Sources: NPR
