Herbed Organic Chicken Breasts

When it’s not cooked well, chicken can be a terrible disappointment. Need we mention the famous “rubber chicken” you sometimes get at buffets on in airplane meals?

But with just a little care and attention, chicken can be an amazingly easy, versatile ingredient in any kind of meal. Chicken sausage, marinated and grilled chicken breast, stir-fried chicken with spicy Asian sauce, breaded Italian chicken cutlets…the possibilities are as varied as they are delicious.

Better yet, chicken is naturally low in fat and calories, so it naturally fits today’s more health-conscious lifestyles. Toss that grilled chicken breast on a bed of leafy greens, and you can sit down to enjoy a meal without worrying about your waistline.

If you eat chicken often – and many Americans do – choosing organic chicken can help you feel even better about your healthy diet.  Plus, it can give you peace of mind to know that the animals and the earth benefit from organic farming practices.

Here are five good reasons to buy organic chicken:

1. Tried and true. For the majority of human history, organic chicken was all you could get! It was just plain old chicken, naturally free range – and free of things like synthetic hormones. High-tech industrial farming changed all that. Now, more and more research suggests that we’re better off following the traditions that were handed down through generations of small family farms. Check out the recent report by the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production (PCIFAP) regarding the impact of industrial farming practices on public health.

2. 2. Rigorous standards. Organic farms are inspected by a government-approved certifier to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic meats must be certified, too. If you buy chicken with an organic label, you can be assured that qualified inspectors are keeping a close eye on how that chicken was raised and processed.

3. No hormones, antibiotics or GMOs. Organic chickens are never given antibiotics or synthetic hormones. Their feed is organic and vegetarian. Organic farmers cannot raise genetically modified crops or livestock or use production aids that are genetically modified.

4. More humane farming practices. Animals on certified organic farms are raised with special attention to their health and wellbeing. They have access to fresh air, sunshine, and the outdoors. Organically raised animals grow at their own natural pace, with no artificial hormones. By following free-ranging or free-grazing practices, organic farms not only treat animals more humanely, but also improve the animals’ health and reduce stress.

5. Better for the environment. Certified organic farmers do no use most conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation. Organic agricultural practices prevent pesticides and other chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us. They also replenish and build healthy soil. Organic farmers emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations.

Your everyday food choices are important – and not just because they impact your health and wellbeing. Making healthy “green” choices for yourself and your family can also benefit the environment for generations to come. When you support organic agricultural practices by choosing organic meat and other organic foods, here’s what you do for the planet:

Reduce unhealthy chemicals and toxins in our environment.

Most crops in the US are grown with the aid of various synthetic chemicals including pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides and fungicides. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 60% of herbicides, 90% of fungicides and 30% of insecticides are carcinogenic. Certified organic farmers do no use most conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation. Organic agricultural practices prevent pesticides and other chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us. When you choose organic meat from small family farms, you “vote” for a planet free of harmful contaminants.

Build healthy soil.

Well-balanced soil is the foundation of healthy, nutritious food. Conventional farming depletes the soil over time. Organic farmers build healthy soils by nourishing the living component of the soil, the microbial inhabitants that release, transform, and transfer nutrients. Soil organic matter contributes to good soil structure and water-holding capacity. Organic farmers feed soil biota and build soil organic matter with cover crops, compost, and biologically based soil amendments. These methods not only produce healthy plants that are better able to resist disease and insect predation, but also protect biodiversity and promote soil stability and fertility. Choosing organic meat and other agricultural products means you’re voting to keep essential nutrients in the soil where they belong.

Protect the water supply.

Conventional agricultural practices contribute to water pollution, which is bad for our health and for the environment. As much as 99% of the pesticides applied to crops enter the environment. Contamination of soil and groundwater is a serious threat to many species of wildlife. By eliminating polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, and by building healthier soil, organic practices prevent contamination and protect and conserve water resources. So choosing organic meat means you’re voting for cleaner water.

Consume less fossil fuel.

Organic farming seeks to make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls. Organic farmers use green manures and crop covers, rather than synthetic fertilizers made from petroleum. If you want to vote against global warming, air quality deterioration, oil spills, and acid rain, choose organic meat and other organic foods.

Respect and nurture healthy animals and people.

Choosing organic is a great way to take care of the people you care about. You can nourish yourself, your family, and the planet by supporting sustainable farming practices and eating foods that are truly good for you. We think this the best reason to choose organic meat: because you can enjoy a delicious meal and peace of mind.

Labeling food is like labeling people. Too often, the description is misleading, or doesn’t give you a full picture of what’s inside. Organic meat, natural meat, grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, hormone-free milk…there are lots of terms out there in the marketplace.

So what should the average consumer do? When it comes to agricultural products such as produce, grains, dairy and meats, most of us don’t have the luxury of getting to know our local farms and farmers. Here are some general tips:

1)    Buy your meat, dairy and produce from a trusted source.

2)    Learn how to “read between the lines” of food labels.

3)    Prioritize based on concerns such as taste, convenience, health, food safety, the environment, humane animal treatment, and supporting small family farms.

4)    Advocate for accurate labeling by the USDA and the FDA.

Free ranging chickens

Is Organic Meat Different Than Natural Meat?

The easy answer to the above question is Yes. While some producers of “natural meat” may follow organic farming practices, there is no strict definition of the term. Organic meat, on the other hand, is required to adhere to strict standards established by the USDA National Organic Program.

Here’s are some simple, useful definitions of Natural, Hormone Free, Organic and Grass Fed:

Natural - “Natural” sounds good, but the truth is that it doesn’t mean much on a meat label. The FDA does not restrict the use of the term “natural” except for added color, synthetic substances, and flavors. For example: meat labeled natural can be raised on farms that use pesticides on their fields and in their animal feed. For interesting updates on the debate over “natural” foods and other topics, visit http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com.

Hormone Free – This claim can be misleading even when it’s technically true. All poultry is free of hormones. Hormones haven’t been allowed in poultry or pork in the U.S. since 1959. Look for “no antibiotics” or “free range” or “organic” for more meaningful information about how the chicken was raised.

Organic – When you see the USDA “organic” label, you know the food inside has passed strict guidelines. Here’s a summary of what it means when meat passes the organic test:

•       organic farmers do not use antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones.
•       organic meat comes from animals that are given 100 percent organic feed.
•       organic animals are given access to the outdoors and/or pastures.
•       organic farms do no use most conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation.
•  organic farmers emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations.
•  organic farms are inspected by a Government-approved certifier to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic meats must be certified, too.

Grass Fed – As of November 2007, the U.S. Department of Agriculture began regulating a voluntary “U.S. Grass Fed” label for beef and lamb. The regulations require that the animal has access to pasture and isn’t fed grain. Grass-fed beef is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than conventional beef, with more vitamins and “good fats” like Omega-3s and CLAs.

As more research points to the dangers of pesticides and other chemicals in our lives, choosing organic meats and produce is one of the easiest ways to cut down on your exposure to potentially harmful substances. 

According to the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit environmental-research organization, “There is growing consensus in the scientific community that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can adversely affect people, especially during vulnerable periods of fetal development and childhood when exposures can have long-lasting effects.” 

The Group has become well-known for its “Dirty Dozen” list of the fruits and vegetables with the most pesticides. The conventionally grown peach – a beloved summer favorite that’s just now showing up in stores and markets — ranks as the number one culprit for pesticide load. In the veggie department, sweet bell peppers are the worst.

You can download the shopper’s guide to your iPhone or as a PDF. And if you’d rather not make a habit of eating chemicals and pesticides, try to choose organic meats, fruits, vegetables, and other foods as often as you can.

This Earth Day, let’s remember that food is a “green” issue. Our planet needs more family farms and more certified organic food, so we can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and take care of the soil for future generations. 

According to the Kellogg Foundation, no more than 3 percent of the food consumed in the United States is grown under ecologically sustainable conditions. It will take a commitment from all of us to support sustainable farming methods.

If you decide to “go green” by buying organic meat and other organic foods, you can be kind to your body and the planet at the same time, since you won’t be getting any added hormones, antibiotics or pesticides in your diet. So while you’re doing other green things in honor of Earth Day, consider putting organics on the menu.

Everyone is feeling squeezed by the recession. Most of us are trying to save money wherever we can. Tough times are a good time to examine your priorities and decide what you’re spending too much on – and what matters too much to cut.

Certified organic foods are more expensive, there’s no doubt. Organic meat costs more because farmers have to take special care of their farms and their animals, without using “shortcuts” like pesticides and artificial growth hormones. But choosing organic is an investment in your health, your future, and the environment. Those are three things that don’t seem worth comprising on, even if it means tightening your belt in other ways.  

The Organic Institute has launched its first national consumer education and marketing campaign, “Organic. It’s Worth It.,” that helps explain why buying organic is a good investment. The bottom line is that organics really do make a difference in our future. So consider taking a pass on that that new sports car – and indulge yourself and your planet in some delicious, good-for-you organic foods.

There are lots of great reasons to go organic. For many people, good health is at the top of the list. When you choose organic meat, it’s reassuring to know there are no added hormones or pesticides on your plate. And it feels good to know that the animals are raised in a healthy environment, where they range freely and have access sunshine, fresh air and organic vegetarian feed.

If you’re concerned about healthy cooking, here are some tips:

• Include whole grains and nutrient-rich organic fruits and vegetables in your meals.
• Learn about the health benefits of grass-fed beef.  
• Experiment with new recipes featuring a variety of organic beef, pork and chicken — plus some interesting veggies, herbs and spices, nuts, grains, and other good-for-you ingredients.   

Here’s a great, healthy recipe from Greensbury Market featuring delicious organic chicken sausage, fresh spinach, and pasta. Enjoy it in good health!

Chicken Sausage with Ravioli

Organic Chicken Sausage with Ravioli, Spinach and Toasted Pine Nuts

• 4 sausages, cut into 1/4 inch rounds
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 pound baby spinach
• 1 pound fresh raviolini, or ravioli
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Shaved parmesan
• Red pepper flakes, optional

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
In a large skillet, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices and sauté until nicely browned. Remove and set aside. Reduce heat to medium-low and add pine nuts. Cook until the nuts are golden brown, stirring often. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the spinach and stir until wilted. Remove from heat.

Put the ravioli in the boiling water and cook until al dente. Drain and return it to the pot. Stir in the sausage mixture and season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and toss gently.

To serve, divide among 4 rimmed bowls and pass Parmesan and red pepper flakes for sprinkling.

Check out more healthy recipes from Greensbury Market.

A recent article in the New York Times describes a new trend toward “traceability” in the food business. What does it mean? The basic idea is that you can learn exactly where your food comes from – and even contact the farmers who produced it. From flour, to chocolate, to bananas, some large companies are making it easier to trace the origins of organic foods, simply by logging onto a website and using a special code. For example, take a look at the Find the Farmer website offered by Stone-Buhr flour.

It’s exactly the idea of “traceability” that makes us at Greensbury so glad to be partnering with sustainable family farms. We’re proud of the origins of our organic meats. And we’ll continue to feature close-up looks at farms and farmers in our blog, such as yesterday’s profile of Natural Acres.

Mission Organic 2010 is an ambitious campaign with an exciting goal: to increase the current market for organic food from 3 percent to 10 percent by 2010. According to the Mission Organic 2010 website, when we, as consumers, demand the organic supply, farmers and food companies will supply the organic demand. The result? Healthier people and a healthier planet.

The Organic Trade Association projects that if consumers continue to purchase organic at the current rate, organic food sales will reach about five percent by 2010. Mission Organic’s goal is to double that to at least 10 percent. 

If you join Mission Organic 2010, you commit to making at least 10% of your eating choices organic through the year 2010.  You also get a free organic essentials pocket guide.