Butchery is one of the oldest professions in the food industry, dating all the way back to when butchers began forming guilds in 1272. Butchers generally prepare and sell meat and meat products into forms ready for cooking. Lean meat is included as part of the lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds, and legumes/beans group which is one of the 5 food groups recommended for everyday consumption in the Australian Dietary Guidelines. This food group primarily provides protein and a wide variety of other nutrients such as iodine, iron, zinc, vitamins (especially B12) and essential fatty acids.
Paul Marsh, Sue Toms and Donna Formosa outside March Butcheries
As part of the QCWA Country Kitchens Meet a Farmer initiative, we will be speaking with Paul Marsh, owner and butcher at Marsh Butcheries in Cairns – a nearly century old family business! Marsh Butcheries began in 1926 and is in its fourth generation under Paul’s guidance.
“Being a butcher is in my blood… taking over the family business comes with a strong sense of pride and legacy. It was started in 1926 by my dads’ grandfather, who ran a few butcheries and pubs in Cairns. My dad took over from my grandfather and built our current shop in 1970. I have a great opportunity to build on the successes of my family in the business.”
Marsh Butcheries is a staple in the Cairns community, with QCWA Country Kitchens Division Convenor, Donna Formosa, and Freshwater Branch President, Sue Toms, regular shoppers at the butchery.
The family owned butchery has built up a strong reputation with their customers, restaurants, suppliers and farmers. Paul loves the social interaction of working with a variety of individuals, groups and businesses, labelling it his favourite part of the job. The friendly service provided at Marsh’s is just one part of their great reputation. The other is the quality of their meat which has a strong focus on local products.
Paul Marsh in front of some of Marsh Butcheries products
“We have got our own cattle nearby which is great… we also source from local farms up in the tablelands… knowing our suppliers gives me confidence in the products we are buying, as well as supporting our local industry.”
The Cairns community is a multicultural hub, and this has led to the butchery stocking a variety of alternative cuts and meats to suit all kinds of cuisine.
“Our goat meat is one of our most famous products and comes from Richmond in Central West Queensland. It is primarily used for Indian curries and they prefer it to be butchered on the bone as it provides greater flavour to the dish.”
This customised service and quality product is what separates Marsh Butcheries from more commercial stores and has made products like their goat, house smoked bacon and hams famous.
“We can tailor cuts to your specific needs, where the larger stores don’t have the personal touch to make that happen. We also have tighter specifications on what we buy and sell.”
Paul encourages us all to try those alternative or cheaper cuts of meat, as they will pack the most flavour.
“All of your forequarter cuts are your tougher cuts, but if you cook them low and slow they will have the most flavour. Every cut has an intended purpose and if you find out what that is, you will really enjoy that piece of meat.”
A staple in the family’s cooking is a QCWA cookbook, gifted to the Marsh’s years ago by one of their customers. The family can affirm that these simple back to basics recipes really let the flavour of the meat shine through. Paul also let it slip to us that despite being one of the premier butcheries in Queensland, he still loves anything crumbed!
“I know a lot of butchers might not be too happy with me saying that. But I love a crumbed steak or crumbed chicken! My kids’ favourite is a crumbed chicken wrap with salad.”
If you are feeling inspired, head to your local butcher and try our cauliflower crumbed chicken, a healthy take on an Aussie favourite. To learn more about the QCWA Country Kitchens program or the Meet a Farmer initiative, contact us at countrykitchens@qcwa.org.au. You can also read more about Marsh Butcheries at https://marshbutcheries.com.au/. The QCWA Country Kitchens program is proudly funded by Health and Wellbeing Queensland.
Industry: Meat/Butchery
Location: Cairns, Queensland
QCWA Division: Far Northern
QCWA Connection: Donna Formosa, Country Kitchens Division Convenor and Sue Toms, QCWA Freshwater Branch President
