Chicken is the most popular meat in America - but with that high demand comes some major corner cutting when it comes to farming these animals at a large scale. Conventional poultry farms pump chicken full of hormones and provide them with a fatty diet and unethical living conditions. Are you looking for healthier, more sustainable and ethical options when it comes to chicken? Pasture-raised chicken can check all the boxes for you.
“Pasture-raised”, or “pastured” refers to chickens living in their natural environment, foraging for food, and roaming freely. In this article, you’ll learn all about pasture-raised chicken, how to navigate confusing labels, where to buy it, and why local farms like Acabonac Farms can be a convenient and superior source for your chicken.
Key Takeaways
- Pasture-raised chickens live outdoors with ample space to forage and roam, mimicking their natural habitat.
- Pasture-raised chicken offers higher nutritional value and a richer, locally distinct taste - all while ensuring the humane treatment of the animals, and environmental sustainability.
- The best sourcing options include direct purchases from local farms, online orders from reputable suppliers, farmers markets, local butchers, and specialty grocery stores.
- Acabonac Farms, local to Middle Island New York, is a premium supplier of the country’s finest pasture-raised chicken, offering shipping across the country.
What Does Pasture-Raised Chicken Mean?
“Pasture-raised” isn’t just a buzzword. It means that the chickens were raised with ample access to the outdoors, allowing them to roam freely and forage for food naturally. These chickens spend most of their lives outdoors, scratching the ground, pecking for insects, and enjoying fresh air and sunlight. The natural foraging diet is supplemented with high-quality feed, but the emphasis is on providing a life that closely mimics their natural habitat.
Why Choose Pasture-Raised Chicken Over Conventional Chicken?
For starters, pasture-raised chicken boasts higher nutritional value, with more omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and antioxidants, making it a healthier choice for you and your family. When purchasing from reputable farms like Acabonac Farms, you can also rest assured that there have been zero use of antibiotics, hormones, or other unwanted additives.
The flavor and texture of pasture-raised chicken is also highly regarded with a richer, more natural taste, without that woody, spongy, “over-inflated” texture of conventionally farmed chicken. You’ll get the most tender chicken tenders you’ve ever had from pastured poultry - especially when cooked properly.
Environmentally, pasture-raising chickens supports sustainable farming practices, promoting soil health and reducing the ecological footprint compared to industrial farming methods.
5 Best Places to Buy Pasture-Raised Chicken
Finding pasture-raised chicken can feel like a scavenger hunt, with its limited availability when compared to conventional chicken and the importance of careful sourcing. To make your search easier, here are five top spots to secure the finest pasture-raised chicken:
1. Direct from Local Farms
Buying pasture-raised chicken directly from local farms like Acabonac Farms ensures you get the freshest and most authentic pasture-raised chicken. This approach offers complete transparency about how the chickens are raised, allowing you to rest assured that no antibiotics, hormones, herbicides, or pesticides were used in any part of the process. By supporting these specialty farms you also promote sustainable and ethical farming practices. Additionally, joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) meat program can provide a reliable source of high-quality chicken while building a closer connection to local agriculture.
2. Buy Pasture-Raised Chicken Online
Purchasing pasture-raised chicken online is incredibly convenient and gives you access to a broader range of products as well as delivery options that fit your schedule. Reputable online farms and retailers, such as Acabonac Farms, offer detailed information about their farming practices, ensuring you know exactly what you’re buying. Online shopping also often includes bulk and customizable purchasing options, like the Acabonac Farms’ build-a-box bundle, which can make it more economical.
3. Farmers Markets
Local farmers markets near you are an excellent way to buy pasture-raised chicken directly from the producers. This allows for direct interaction with farmers, giving you the opportunity to ask questions about their practices and ensuring the highest quality. However, availability can be seasonal, and you may need to visit multiple markets to find the best options.
4. Local Butchers
Local butchers specializing in high-quality, locally sourced meats can be a great source for pasture-raised chicken. They often have strong relationships with local farms, providing fresh and carefully selected products. However, many butcher shops may specialize in beef or pork, making a steady supply of chicken a bit harder to come across.
5. Specialty Grocery Stores
Specialty grocery stores may carry pasture-raised chicken, offering a convenient option for those who prefer shopping in-store. However, it’s crucial to verify labels and understand the variety and limitations compared to buying directly from farms or online. Always check for certifications and ask questions to ensure you’re getting genuinely pasture-raised products.
Understanding Labels: Pasture-Raised, Organic, and Free-Range
You hear terms like “pasture-raised”, “organic”, and “free-range” thrown around a lot. If having chicken raised naturally in open spaces is important to you, it’s critical to understand the differences in these labels.
Pasture-Raised: This label means that chickens are raised outdoors on pasture, where they can forage for insects, seeds, and plants. Did you know that there is no such thing as truly “grass-fed chicken”? Pastured chickens eat a varied diet far beyond grass alone, leading to healthier and more naturally behaved birds. This method results in meat that is richer in nutrients and flavor, while improving the quality of life for the animals.
Organic: Organic chicken comes from birds raised according to strict organic farming standards. This includes being fed organic, non-GMO feed, having access to the outdoors, and being free from antibiotics and synthetic hormones. However, "organic" doesn't necessarily mean the chickens were raised on pasture, and organic chickens may still spend the majority of their lives in cramped indoor spaces.
Free-Range: Free-range chickens are given access to the outdoors, but the extent and quality of that access can vary widely. Unlike pasture-raised chickens, free-range birds might spend most of their time indoors with only limited outdoor access.
Understanding these labels is crucial for making choices that align with your values and health goals. Pasture-raised is the gold standard for animal welfare and nutrition, while organic ensures high feed quality and no harmful additives. Free-range offers some outdoor access but may not meet the same standards as pasture-raised. Always read labels carefully and do a bit of research to ensure you're getting what you expect.
How to Get the Best Price on Pasture-Raised Chicken
Pasture-raised chicken is of higher quality when compared with conventional chicken, and therefore, can be more expensive. With the right strategies, you can enjoy this premium meat without breaking the bank. Here are some tips:
Buy in Bulk or Bundles: Purchasing chicken in bulk or as part of a bundle can significantly reduce the cost per pound. Many farms, including Acabonac Farms, offer bulk packages that include a variety of cuts, from breast, to drumsticks, to ground chicken - allowing you to stock up and save money. Check out Acabonac Farms' bundle options, including whole chicken, to find deals that suit your needs.
Join a CSA: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs often provide members with a share of the farm's products at a lower price. By subscribing to a CSA, you can receive regular deliveries of fresh, pasture-raised chicken with a lower price tag.
Look for Sales and Promotions: Keep an eye out for sales and special promotions from your favorite farms and online retailers. Signing up for newsletters or following them on social media can alert you to discounts and seasonal deals.
Consider the Cut: Some cuts of pasture-raised chicken are more expensive than others. For example, pastured chicken liver is considered a superfood by many, demanding a higher price, whereas chicken wings can be found more affordably.
Buy Pasture-Raised Chicken Online or Locally in New York from Acabonac Farms
When it comes to pasture-raised chicken, our Middle Island, NY acreage produces some of the country’s best. Acabonac Farms is committed to raising chickens in wide-open pastures, allowing them to forage naturally and live as they should. This dedication results in chicken that is delicious AND ethically and sustainably produced.
For those residing in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, Acabonac Farms offers the perfect blend of convenience and quality. Enjoy free shipping on orders over $175 or opt for local pick-up right at our farm in Middle Island, NY. If you're outside these areas, don't worry – Acabonac Farms ships premium pasture-raised chicken nationwide, on your schedule.
Choosing Acabonac Farms means embracing a future where food production respects the environment and animal welfare. Learn more about our commitment to regenerative farming, free from antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, and herbicides.
Frequently Asked Questions about Buying Pasture-Raised Chicken
What is the difference between pasture-raised and free-range chicken?
Pasture-raised chickens have extensive access to outdoor areas where they can forage freely in their natural environment. In contrast, free-range chickens are provided some outdoor access, albeit much more limited compared to pasture-raised chickens. Free-range chickens still spend much of their life indoors and feed only on grain-based foods rather than natural forage.
Is pasture-raised chicken healthier than conventional chicken?
Yes, pasture-raised chicken typically has higher levels of beneficial nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and antioxidants.
Can I find pasture-raised chicken at regular grocery stores?
It is more difficult, but possible to find pasture-raised chicken at some regular grocery stores - but it’s crucial to read labels carefully. Ensure that the packaging specifically states "pasture-raised" to avoid confusion with other labels like "free-range" or "cage-free," which do not guarantee the same quality or farming practices.
Why is pasture-raised chicken more expensive?
Pasture-raised chicken can be more expensive due to the more extensive land use required and the longer periods needed to raise chickens in this slow-and-steady manner. Additionally, the labor-intensive nature of maintaining a pasture-based system and the higher standards of animal welfare contribute to the higher price.
How can I verify that chicken is truly pasture-raised?
To verify that chicken is truly pasture-raised, start by reviewing the farm’s website and looking for detailed descriptions of their farming practices. Research the farm to ensure they follow genuine pasture-raising methods. At farms like Acabonac Farms, we encourage buyers to actually set foot on our farms and see firsthand how we raise our chickens!