I tried (and loved!) Purple Ribbon Beef's Iowa-produced beef and soap

As part of the Shop Iowa Squad, I received from them several different gift ideas this past holiday season, including some treats from Purple Ribbon Beef, based in Britt, Iowa. I tried the beef summer sausage, and the cheese they sent me, and here is my full review:

What is Purple Ribbon Beef?

Purple Ribbon Beef is a family-owned beef farm in Britt, in north central Iowa. They have a Purple Ribbon Beef storefront on ShopIowa.com, they have their own physical farm store, and they sell at the Ames and Clear Lake farmers markets. They are known primarily for their delicious cuts of beef, but they also use many parts of the cattle to make innovative products, including beef tallow candles and soaps, and cowhide purses and bags. And they sell some fun items from other local producers, like cheese from WW Homestead and spices from Saltlickers, both on their Shop Iowa page and in their farm store.

Beef Summer Sausage from Purple Ribbon Beef

The star of the show from Purple Ribbon Beef was this delicious beef summer sausage. We sliced it and we cut it into chunks for a charcuterie board, and it was delicious both ways. This is such a fun food to have on hand, whether as a snack or as a meal! And I love that it's a totally giftable food that is full of protein. I found it flavorful yet mild, and it was a big hit with both kids and adults in my family.

Cheddar cheese from WW Homestead Dairy

Shop Iowa and Purple Ribbon Beef also sent us some cheese from WW Homestead Dairy, and it was so good! WW Homestead Dairy is based in Waukon, Iowa, and I think it's so fun that this cheese comes from Iowa cows. They sent two different varieties, and I tried them both on the same charcuterie board as the summer sausage. The first flavor I tried was sharp, aged white cheddar, and it was immediately evident from the texture while slicing that this is a real, aged, cheddar not a "cheese product" or something like that. Anyway, the flavor was excellent and it was a great sharp cheddar.

They also sent us some ranch peppercorn white cheddar, which my family loved too. I think this one was my personal favorite and my 11-year old's favorite too. It was creamy and mild yet flavorful and paired beautifully with the summer sausage and crackers. Don't be fooled by the peppery name--no heat here, just some delicious accents of black pepper.

Both cheeses were delicious, and it was so fun to use the charcuterie board as a family lunch. It was a big hit with my whole family.  

Natural Beef Tallow Bar Soap from Purple Ribbon Farm

Purple Ribbon Beef also sent a bar of soap, that at first glance seemed kind of boring, albeit aesthetically pleasing if neutrals are your thing. But upon using it, I can confirm that it is anything but boring. This is the best soap I've ever used in terms of not drying my hands out in winter. I've never had my hands in such good shape at this point in the year ever, and I legitimately think it's because of this soap. I will for sure buy more of this when the bar I have runs out!

Overall, I was very impressed with the beef summer sausage, beef tallow soap, and cheddar cheese that Purple Ribbon Beef and Shop Iowa sent, and based on the experience I had with them, I'd definitely recommend buying meat, cheese, soap, and other fun finds from them. 

I can't wait to check out more of their great items, and more fun finds on ShopIowa.com!