Organic produce (especially when using the dirty dozen lists, so not needing to buy absolutely everything organic) isn't that much more expensive. But meat is so expensive, and we eat so much of it. My hubby grew up in a meat-and-potatoes family, and while he's gotten good at appreciating the occasional vegetarian meal, he generally doesn't consider a meal a meal unless there's meat. And our family is full of big eaters, and we like to host dinners, and that adds up to a lot of meat and a lot of money.
But after we returned from our trip out west, I was grocery shopping and (as I always do) debating my meat choices, and I saw this package of organic, grass-fed, free range hamburger. "Oh, why not?" I decided. And then next to it, I saw our normal package of grocery store brand hamburger. Hm...how about an experiment?
I brought them both home. I decided to doctor them as little as possible, so that the flavor of the meat could shine through: about 3/4 teaspoon of freshly ground salt and pepper for each pound of meat.
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| Grocery store = left, Free range = right |
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| Grocery store = left, Free range = right |
We tried to explain the differences to the kids, introducing the concept of feed lots and free range cows, talking about the different foods they were fed, and whether or not they're given medicines. Over the course of the conversation, they became Happy Cows and Grocery Store Cows.
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| Grocery store = left, Free range = right |
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| Grocery store = left, Free range = right |
What does that mean for us? I'm not sure, but it was an interesting and fun experiment and will surely inform our future meat choices. In fact, last week at the farmer's market, we made contact with a local butcher and purchased some of his hamburger and bacon; it was fun to talk meat with the supplier, and I'm sure we'll continue this experiment.
Interesting experiment. I agree, definitely a difference. It's like chicken eggs, definitely a difference you can taste. Nice post.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! I would be very interested in joining you in buying better meat, especially chicken and pork.
ReplyDeleteI got a pkg of 93 percent lean beef from a major grocery store that I had a meat cutter select for me, no more 20/80 or more fat tubes for me, it was delish..they don't carry Laura's grass fed but the butcher fellow told me this was the same kind as Laura's so the company could make a better profit..I will never buy anything else, it was expensive but delish to the last morsel.. It does pay to buy better beef even if one has to pay a lot more, but food is not to be taken lightly, we never buy from the dollar tree any food stuff, nor from dented places..I work for the poor for food issues, we have to throw out a lot of canned goods and jars of stuff, we cannot give that to the poor at all it costs us a lot to do that..we recycle as much as we can..thanks to the Lord I live in a county that has farmers and fisherman who donate food approved USDA Standards of beef, chicken and the Fish is donated from a mail order place that has strict standards, so the poor can actually eat decent proteins...the difference in free range beef & poultry is phenomenal but most people won't pay for the items at all! love your blog!
ReplyDeleteOne option I know people have tried (if they have the freezer space) is to buy a 1/4 cow from a local human farmer. May not be certified organic but might be an option.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! And bravo on saying no to process food! :) I've tried both regular and grass fed organic meat. I definitely second your thoughts that the later one taste better and more meaty. But really, it's so expensive! So, maybe that would be a great reason to cut down on meat. ;)
ReplyDelete