No discussion about meat could ignore the “Fowl” section.  So, here it is!

Chicken

My sister, who eats super healthy, has always told me, “There are two things you should ALWAYS buy organic.  Chicken and apples.”  Now, while I still haven’t adopted the organic apples, primarily because I always peel mine, I have started buying organic chicken.  While some “free-range” chickens aren’t necessarily pasture-fed, if you see the term, “Organic chicken”, you know that these chickens were humanely raised, and fed well.  Farmers who produce organic chickens must do so in accordance with the National Organic Program to carry the USDA Organic seal. This means that the chickens must be raised from egg to slaughter in a way that nurtures the ecology of the site, including the health of the pasture, proper waste disposal, conservation of resources and the maintenance of vegetation and wildlife on the farm.  There are other benefits to eating organic chicken as well as environmental.

1.  Less fat

Organic chicken, like its beef counterpart, is leaner than the run-of-the-mill chicken that you see in the stores.  Leaner cuts of meat are much healthier for you, and speed up your cooking time.  Who couldn’t use more time?!?

2.  Less toxins

Commercially raised chicken are often exposed to a lot of antibiotics, pesticides, and growth hormones, which are potentially dangerous, especially over time.  The antibiotics used in commercially raised chickens could even be linked to the germ resistance in some folks.  The growth hormones have been linked to early puberty and cancer in some studies as well.

3.  More flavor

According to the American Culinary Foundation, organic chicken tastes much better.  It’s more tender and has more complex flavors than the commercially raised chicken.  I can certainly attest to that!  Especially when it comes to Turkeys…

Turkey

All the benefits of organic chicken work for turkey as well.  For the last few years, I’ve gotten my Thanksgiving and Christmas turkeys through Whole Foods.  They have a super easy online ordering system as well.  You pre-order a turkey based on the weight range you prefer.  They have many different farms offering fresh turkeys, so you’re not stuck with just one choice.  Fresh turkeys are AMAZING!!  So tender, never dry, and best yet, you don’t have to remember to take them out of the freezer! Plus, the commercially raised turkeys are usually packaged in a brine that contains sugar or soy, which I can’t have.  The turkeys I’ve gotten from Whole Foods aren’t pre-brined, so if you like your turkeys in a brine, they are simple to make, and you will KNOW the ingredients in them.   😉  Whole Foods even gives you a reusable bag to take your turkey home!!  WIN!!

Deli turkey

Yesterday, I said that I often walk fondly through the deli section, missing my deli meats.  Truth!  However, I FINALLY found a turkey at the Deli counter that I can have!  Major joy here!  Granted, I probably drove the deli counter clerks crazy when I had to read the labels off the meat, but my efforts were not in vain! 🙂  At Smith’s (I haven’t found it at other local delis), I discovered Boar’s Head Turkey.  They pride themselves on having all Natural Products.  Remember, some products may contain sugar, as companies consider that a spice, but the turkey I order has none of that!  Here are the claims that Boar’s Head make:

• No artificial ingredients, minimally processed
• Raised without the use of antibiotics or hormones
• No nitrate or nitrite added
• Gluten free
• No MSG
• No preservatives
• Vegetarian grain fed
• Humanely raised
• No fillers
• Low fat
• Milk free
• Rich in Protein

Ovengold Roasted Breast of Turkey is my choice.  No sugar added, and it tastes really good.  It’s great for turkey roll-ups!  My roll-ups usually contain mustard, lettuce, and maybe some avocado.  It’s a healthy alternative to the typical sandwich.

If you’ve found other great turkey to buy, let us know by posting below.  Also, any other ways to use deli turkey are welcomed!  See you soon!