23/03/2021
Organic, grass-fed, natural, pasture-raised, what does it all even mean? There are a lot of marketing tactics out there designed to make consumers think they are purchasing the best items, but often the labels just leave people confused. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
To ensure that you're getting the best quality ingredients, learn these terms before doing your shopping. They are listed in order of superiority, so start at the top and work your way down the list until you find one that fits within your means.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Grass-Fed: Cows by nature are grass-grazing animals. Yet, when they are fully grown the diet of most cattle, organic and conventional, is switched from grass to grain in order to fatten them up and increase marbling. The grain can be genetically modified and often includes soy and corn. Beef from cattle that has been raised exclusively on grass has less saturated fat and more nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, than grain-finished beef. Look for labels that read "100% grass-fed" or "grass-finished", as the USDA only requires "grass-fed" to mean partial grass diet and access to pasture year round. The USDA program is voluntary without any third-party verification. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Organic: Food labeled "Organic" must be raised on a certified organic pasture and fed certified organic feed for its entire life. The USDA certification for organic meats prohibits the use of drugs, antibiotics, growth hormones, genetically modified feed, or animal by-products. The animals must have year-round outdoor access but are typically fed a diet of organic corn and other grains. However, this label does not address the treatment of the animals. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Pastured: A label of "pastured" typically applies to poultry, the eggs of laying hens and pork. It is used to emphasize that the animals have been raised primarily outdoors on live pasture where they can dig or peck for insects, seeds, and whatever else they can catch.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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