Comparing conventional chickens versus free range versus organic chickens
Star Anise
When it comes to chickens and chicken liver, I’m often asked if “free range” is enough and whether it’s worth buying certified organic. My view is that when it comes to chickens and chicken liver, it is worth paying extra and buying organic for all of the reasons set out in the table below (which is a bit hard to read but is a really good summary).
The main reason is that conventional or free-range chickens will be fed conventional grains that most likely contain corn and soy, which are genetically modified. There are other reasons set out in the table too.
I personally (and at Broth Bar & Larder) exclusively purchase from Inglewood. If you can’t buy certified organic from Inglewood or other suppliers (eg Enviroganic) then you will need to make your own due diligence enquiries as to what the chickens are fed, antibiotic use, whether they are truly pastured, stocking density etc.
When it comes to eggs, you certainly can’t go wrong with certified organic unless you want to do your own due diligence enquires as we did at Broth Bar & Larder where we stock 2 brands of eggs (Mussett Holdings and Mountain Pride) neither of which are certified organic but we have made enquiries of the owners as to the feed (non fed GMO grains), how they are housed (free to roam all day on pasture) and their antibiotic and vaccine policy. I have also personally visited Musset Holdings farms (see my IG highlight reel for the footage of my visit) and we had The Egg Lady (Simone) who delivers Mountain Pride eggs come and talk to our customers at Broth Bar & Larder a little while ago. Forging strong relationships with your suppliers of food and knowing where your food comes from is paramount.
The 3 most important considerations that affect the nutritional profile of food are (a) its source, (b) its processing and (c) the consumer’s proper preparation of the food in their kitchen. It is heartening to see more and more people concerned with all 3 aspects especially provenance (source).
Please don’t hesitate to email me at info@staraniseorganic.com if you have any questions.
Love Soulla xx
