Chicken is one of the most consumed meats in the United States. In 2018 alone, the per capita consumption of poultry was estimated to be 93.8 pounds.1
It's clear that while many people enjoy chicken in their diet, the vast majority are unaware that most of the chicken meat and eggs sold in the United States come from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).
Chickens raised in CAFOs are continuously injected with low dosages of antibiotics. Over time, this leads to antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses, particularly outbreaks of salmonella.2
In light of this revelation, your best alternative is to consume organic, pasture-raised chicken. This type of farming practice allows poultry to freely roam around the farm so they can forage food on their own. Plus, this method foregoes the use of antibiotics and other chemicals, making the final product safer to eat. Overall, it's the best choice you can make for your health.
The Benefits of Eating Organic Pasture-Raised Chicken
Doing away with CAFO chicken is one of the best decisions you can do for your health. Pasture-raised chicken is a far more superior option due to the following benefits:3
- Contains more vitamin A — According to a 2000 study by Barb Gorski, pasture-raised chicken contains 50% more vitamin A compared to conventionally raised chicken.4,5 This nutrient plays an important role in supporting good vision,6 cell division and growth,7 a strong immune system8 and skin health.9
- Rich in omega-3 fats — In a 2008 study published in the journal Poultry Science, Portuguese researchers discovered that pasture-raised chicken has significantly higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids than chickens that do not have access to fresh forage.10
- Environmentally friendly — CAFOs are known for the large amounts of toxic byproducts they generate, which are dumped into the local ecosystem. One company, Tyson Foods Inc., released 104.4 million pounds of pollutants into waterways between 2010 and 2014.11 By supporting pasture-raised poultry, you can help reduce pollution that is currently devastating the environment.
- Has a lower risk of foodborne illnesses — CAFO chickens have gained a negative reputation because they're associated with foodborne illnesses caused by unsanitary farming conditions.12 Choosing pasture-raised chicken can help reduce your chances of developing such illnesses because they are cleaner and healthier.
- Produce high-quality eggs — Eggs from pastured chicken typically contains two times more vitamin E and 2.5 times more total omega-3s than eggs harvested from conventionally raised chicken.13
Where to Buy Pasture-Raised Chicken
One of the easiest ways to be sure you're eating pasture-raised chicken is to simply raise some of your own in your backyard. However, not everyone has the time and patience to push through with this approach. Many areas also have zoning regulations that must be met. If this seems too much for you, then buying from farmers is your next best option.
To make sure that you're getting high-quality pasture-raised chicken, you can meet with a local farmer to ask them about their farming practices. They should allow their poultry to freely roam and forage for their natural diet of seeds, insects, worms and plants. You may also visit your local farmers market to look for pasture-raised chicken and eggs. The following sites can provide you with resources on where to look for high-quality poultry and other produce:
- Weston Price Foundation has local chapters in most states, and many of them are connected with buying clubs in which you can easily purchase organic foods, including grass fed, raw dairy products like milk and butter.
- Local Harvest — This website will help you find farmers markets, family farms and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area where you can buy produce, grass fed meats and many other goodies.
- Farmers Markets — A national listing of farmers markets.
- Eat Well Guide: Wholesome Food from Healthy Animals — The Eat Well Guide is a free online directory of sustainably raised meat, poultry, dairy and eggs from farms, stores, restaurants, inns and hotels, and online outlets in the United States and Canada.
- Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) — CISA is dedicated to sustaining agriculture and promoting the products of small farms.
- FoodRoutes — The "Find Good Food" map from FoodRoutes can help you connect with local farmers to find the freshest, tastiest food possible. On their interactive map, you can find a listing for local farmers, CSAs and markets near you.
- The Cornucopia Institute — The Cornucopia Institute maintains web-based tools rating all certified organic brands of eggs, dairy products and other commodities based on their ethical sourcing and authentic farming practices, separating CAFO "organic" production from authentic organic practices.
Cooking With Pasture-Raised Chicken:
Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup Recipe
One of the easiest ways to reap the benefits of pasture-raised chicken is to use it in a soup. It's the perfect meal for any occasion, and it's guaranteed that your family will love it. You can try this chicken soup recipe, which also contains various herbs and vegetables for even more nutrition.
Ingredients:
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✓ 450 grams of shredded and cooked pasture-raised chicken
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✓ 2 tablespoons of organic coconut oil
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✓ 1 medium onion, chopped
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✓ 3 garlic cloves, minced
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✓ 1 large carrot, chopped
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✓ 1 celery rib, halved lengthwise and cut into one-half inch thick slices
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✓ 1 zucchini, diced into 2-centimeter cubes
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✓ 1 tablespoon of ginger, finely grated
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✓ 4 fresh thyme sprigs
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✓ 200 grams of silverbeet, shredded
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✓ 1 bay leaf
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✓ 300 grams of pumpkin, peeled and diced into 2-centimeter cubes
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✓ 1.7 liters of organic chicken stock, plus extra if needed
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✓ Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
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✓ 1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
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✓ 6 to 8 tablespoons of cultured vegetables or kraut of your choice, to serve
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Procedure:
- Place a large soup pot over medium heat and coat the base with the oil. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme and bay leaf.
- Cook and stir for about six minutes, until the vegetables are softened but not browned. Pour in the chicken stock and bring the liquid to a boil, then turn down to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
- Add the ginger, zucchini and pumpkin and continue to cook for 15 minutes or until they become tender. Gently add the chicken meat and silverbeet and continue to simmer for another few minutes or until the silverbeet has cooked.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving. Serve with a spoonful of cultured vegetables on the side.
(Recipe from Dr. Mercola and Pete Evans)
Make an Effort to Always Eat Organic Pasture-Raised Chicken
The benefits of eating pasture-raised chicken can't be denied. It's healthier and safer compared to conventionally grown chicken. Be sure to visit your local farms or farmers markets so that you can get a firsthand look at their poultry products. Review their history and certifications, and check if they truly raise their chickens in an open pasture. Remembering these tips can help you ensure that the product you purchase is high-quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pasture-Raised Chicken
Q: How many calories are there in one chicken breast?
A: According to the National Chicken Council, a single piece of skinless and boneless chicken breast has 114 calories. Skin-on and bone-in chicken breast on the other hand, has 172 calories.14
Q: Is organic chicken the same as free-range chicken?
A: Although "organic" and "free-range" may seem similar, they're actually two different things. Organic refers to poultry that is free from antibiotics and other chemicals. Free-range refers to chicken was raised in a natural, open environment where it can freely roam and forage for its own food.15,16
Q: Can you get salmonella from free-range chicken?
A: There's a possibility that you may still get salmonella from certified organic and pasture-raised chicken. However, the chances are minimal. In a study published in the journal Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, organic free-range chickens have a 4.3% rate of salmonella prevalence compared to conventional chicken, which has a rate of 28.8%.17