Reasonably priced Organic Meat

[Missy]

Fortunately for me, I live within a 2 hour driving distance to an Amish community. I live in Ohio...and the Amish are in Indiana. Last year, I attempted to start Protein Power...but due to denial or whatever, I never followed though. However after reading Dr. Eades's book, I'm sure that the seed got planted in my brain to look at "organic" meat..and was SHOCKED at the cost....gulp. :eek: Well, that was a another convient reason to NOT begin, right! (Like I needed any! lol)

Anyways, last summer, while on vacation in Shipshewana, Indiana...(major tourist area and flea market) It dawned on me that the AMISH way of living would actually be considered organic....AND they just had built in this town a nice new meat market. So, I checked it out. COMPLETELY ORGANICLY RAISED MEAT and CHEESE!!! :D and totally "normal" in their prices. After all, this is their way of life.

So, we bought some and brought it home with us to try it out first. Yum. I was so thrilled about this that now we drive there every two to three months and stock up.

We take several coolers along with us..and all of their meat is prepackaged and frozen. They have signs all over the store explaining that their meat is hormone/pestiside free.

Since I personally have several "hormone" issues...I feel going to this extra effort is worthwhile. Not to mention is a great "day" trip for us anyhow.

I know that it's not necessarily "handy" for probably most people...but if it is a rather close option perhaps it can give you an idea?

Lynn

[Gaelen]

Missy, that's a great thought! Another option for people who may not be near an Amish community is farm markets (ours is year round, even in high winter central NY). Not only do we have several Amish and Mennonite vendors at this market--if you talk to individual farmers, you may discover that while he may not be 'certified organic,' his produce, or eggs, or dairy products, or meats do meet those clean standards.

Eating Well magazine did an article on organically raised meats/produce sometime last year; getting 'certified organic' is sometimes impossible for farmers because of their proximity to other farmers who are NOT using methods that meet organic standards. The article talked about growers who tried for organic certification, but the applications were denied because the farmers were too close to other growers which the inspectors considered a possible source of contamination to the organic process. The contamination doesn't have to be conventional ground water or soil methods, either...one grower downwind of a farm that wasn't organic was denied because it was felt windrifted contamination could compromise her crop.

Anyway, don't overlook the local farm market as a source of reasonably priced organic foods. One virtue of the farm market method of shopping is that it does reinforce a respect for the seasonality of things. You can't get organic strawberries in December, but you can get first off the farm eggs in March. ;)

[Viking Dan]

They have signs all over the store explaining that their meat is hormone/pestiside free.


Cool. Is it grass fed?

[Missy]

Some of it is grass fed. It's specially marked if it is. They even had Buffalo meat, to which the last time we were brave enought to buy...lol....but, I haven't been brave enough to EAT yet! lol

Thier cheeses are so delicious...and when it's summer time, I buy especially from the Amish farmer's markets (at their homes)...because I know it's "good" for you stuff. This summer I plan to buy large amount of fresh veggies when I go and freeze/can them. Nothing beats a summer tomato!

Another option to buying "organic" is look to see if your community has a "co-op"....here's a link to ones in Ohio:

http://www.vegohio.com/search_results.asp?category=Grocery&Region=All+of+Ohio

These types of stores have a very "grass roots" feel to them. They are more reasonably priced then say, a basic health food store.

If you also check with stores like these, or at health food store bulletin boards, you can sometimes find a contact to an organic farmer who sells meat...usually you need to commit to a whole side of beef though? At least from what I gather. Personally, that's why I find traveling to the Amish more helpful because we buy a normal assortment of meat, just like you would normally...and get the larger variety/meat cuts that you prefer.

Some people that I've mentioned that this is what we do act like I'm sorta crazy...lol...but, personally, I don't care. I have far toooo many hormone issues..and they start somewhere...and well....connecting the dots to my DIET certainly seems like a logical place to START!:D