If you are looking for a versatile meat that works well in sauces or with a bit of gravy, chicken is the best answer. In particular, the juicy and moist chicken breast is the most premium part of the bird, making it highly sought after.
The flavour of your chicken is ultimately dictated by the environment in which the bird was raised. In this blog, we will discuss the differences between factory-farmed and slow-grown organic chicken.
The Problem With Supermarket Chicken Breast
While it is unpleasant to think about, there's no getting away from the reality of intensive farming. Factory-farmed chickens live in extremely crowded conditions that mean they can barely move around. Sheds are dimly lit, have high levels of ammonia and low ventilation. The birds are forced to live in their own waste. The broiler chickens are designed to grow three times faster than other breeds, leading to health problems.
Broiler chickens live only 6 weeks before being slaughtered. Many chickens succumb to illness before this point due to the poor conditions.
Ultimately, factory farming produces low-quality meat. If you opt for factory-farmed chicken, you might find:
- Woody Breast and White Striping: White fatty lines are a sign of disease. Additionally, forced accelerated growth causes the chicken breast to have a fibrous texture.
- "Plumping": This is a practice often used by supermarkets to make the meat more attractive. It involves injecting the chicken with water or brine. This liquid escapes during cooking, leading to shrinkage. This devious trick increases the weight of the chicken breast, meaning you spend more for less actual meat.
- Sour or Egg-Like Smell: The meat is packaged in a high-nitrogen and low-oxygen environment. This can cause the chicken to develop an unsavoury smell. This can indicate improper storage or preservative use.
- Antibiotic Use: Heavy antibiotics are used in crowded sheds to keep the chickens alive. This increases the risk of antibiotic-resistant illness.
- Lower Nutritional Value: Intensively farmed chickens are forced to grow rapidly. This leads to a lower protein and higher fat product.
What "Slow Grown" Actually Means for Organic Poultry
Birds raised in an organic way live in a drastically different environment.
"Slow-grown" chickens are allowed to grow in an organic, natural manner. This takes longer but ultimately means the bird's welfare is put first.
Instead of packed cages, Eversfield Organic chickens live outside in open fields in small flocks. This means they are free to exercise their natural behaviours such as roaming and pecking. Their diet is 100% organic, and we provide a warm shelter for them to use at night. Additionally, we do not routinely use antibiotics. This ensures the chickens live peacefully and happily, leading to better quality of meat.
The Science Behind Better Texture and Richer Flavour
When you buy organic chicken breast, you will be shocked to find that it has a deeper and more natural flavour. Some suggest it has a richer, cleaner flavour profile. Many also laud organic chicken for its firm texture that is not at all watery.
There is a scientific reason behind this. Slow growth, combined with free-range practices, allows for proper bone development. The chicken gains stronger legs and joints through exercise, which means they gain more muscle structure. This gives the chicken a firmer texture. Their organic diet plays a big role in their flavour too.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Organic Chicken Breast
It is best to use your organic chicken as soon as possible to ensure it is very fresh. Always eat your chicken before the sell-by date. To prolong the life of your chicken, you can put it in the freezer to make it last up to 6 months.
You can get creative with how you use your chicken. From putting it in curries and stir-fries to roasting it, there are endless possibilities.
Eversfield Organic Sells Organic Chicken
Whether you are looking for breast or another cut of chicken, we have you covered. We butcher to order to ensure premium freshness and quality. Browse our organic chicken range and place your order today.
