rollo Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 i've done well finding 100% organic grass-fed beef, and pastured eggs, as well as wild-caught, sustainable fish. pork has scared me (actually chicken has too, so i may as well add it in here, even though it's not in the topic title) even at Whole Foods, I find that the pork and chicken don't seem to be up to the same standards as the beef - the cards are yellow vs. the green of beef, if you know WF's coding system. what should i be specifically asking for and where can i find it?! Thanks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon Simpson Thumann Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 I have never had an issues with WF's pork. I usually buy pork butts from them to make pulled pork and when it comes to chicken I buy what I can afford at the time. Whole chickens are cheaper. I actually become physically ill when I eat regular pork from a normal grocer but I buy the highest level of pork from WF's and it has never made me sick. Costco has a decent price on organic chicken breast, legs, thighs and whole chickens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bet Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 For pork you want to find Berkshire pork that is labeled as such and also that it was foraged on pastures and forests. I've only been able to find it in farmers market. If you have one near you, check it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Strathdee Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Bet - why only Berkshire pork? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan W Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Berkshire pork is a heritage breed and wonderful (as are red wattles and other heritage breeds) but not possible for everyone to source or afford. I spoke at length to the manager of the meat dept at WF about their rating system. Even #1 at WF has to meet 126 requirements to meet that rating. It's difficult to find pastured pork because they are escape artists and not all farmers are equipted to deal with that. To have a #1 rating, they are required to live in a clean environment and are able to root around which is what pigs do naturally. It also has to be raised x amount of miles from the store to qualify which I like. I forget the exact mileage requirement. This is why the lamb is not rated because they sell New Zealand lamb. When I can't make it to the Farmers Market, I feel just fine buying WF pork. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollo Posted September 9, 2013 Author Share Posted September 9, 2013 So #1 WF pork is acceptable? whew. thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan W Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 " So #1 WF pork is acceptable? whew. thanks!" You bet. The only pork that wouldn't be allowed would be pork that is "tenderized" because that almost always (if not always) involves sugar, starch and other crappola. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bet Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 I should have said look for Berkshire pork. I also use WF pork when I can't get to the Farmers Market. But if you do see it, definitely get it. I'm going this weekend and I'm going to get 2 lbs an freeze one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollo Posted September 9, 2013 Author Share Posted September 9, 2013 " So #1 WF pork is acceptable? whew. thanks!" You bet. The only pork that wouldn't be allowed would be pork that is "tenderized" because that almost always (if not always) involves sugar, starch and other crappola. Susan W - sorry to be so precise, but when you say "the only pork that wouldn't be allowed" do you mean the only WF pork that wouldn't be allowed... or do you mean the only pork in general? (i don't generally buy pork - this is new to me). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan W Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 "Susan W - sorry to be so precise, but when you say "the only pork that wouldn't be allowed" do you mean the only WF pork that wouldn't be allowed... or do you mean the only pork in general? (i don't generally buy pork - this is new to me)." No worries. Best to get it right and feel secure about your buying decisions. WF would not carry tenderized pork. However, my Albertsons carries both. I sometimes buy pork from them when WF is out of my price range. I have to make sure I grab the correct one. Sometimes they only have tenderized so I change my plans. The label will state that it is injected with a solution. Next time you go to a regular grocery store, take a peek to see what yours says on the label. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon Simpson Thumann Posted September 10, 2013 Share Posted September 10, 2013 Our local butcher has Berkshire pork and at $14.99 per lb.. ugh out of my price range but I do buy a couple of their pork chops for special occasions. They are so freaking good, best tasting pork ever, imo... but alas it's not something I can buy all the time. I need my own farm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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