Folks, I've got something very exciting to share with you today! We are officially into our new line of Pastured Chicken which is now air-chilled and vinegar washed/acid free!

This Chicken is processed in our very own USDA Chicken Processing Facility here in Paradise PA! For the required anti-microbial rinse, we only use Organic Apple Cider Vinegar...

To our knowledge our USDA poultry facility was the first ever in the US to be approved to use Apple Cider Vinegar for the anti-microbial rinse. There are more people pursuing this which in my opinion is very exciting! 

It's a bit more work like testing, and paperwork to prove that the vinegar process works but it's worth it! Most processing facilities would rather not mess with the hassle and just use the acid, or chlorine mix... :(

The other excitement for our chicken it's now air-chilled! Below we'll get into more details on the benefits of air-chilled...

• No Water Absorption: Traditional water-chilling causes birds to absorb up to 2% to 12% of their weight in water (along with added chlorine or other processing solutions), meaning you pay for water weight rather than pure meat. Air-chilled chicken retains no added water.

• Superior Flavor: Because it does not soak up water or diluted processing solutions, the natural chicken flavor stays concentrated and intact. Especially in pasture raised chicken!

• Crispier Skin and Better Browning: Water-chilled chicken has a wet surface that steams rather than sears, making it hard to get crisp skin. Air-chilled chicken has drier skin, which browns rapidly and roasts or fries to a crisp finish. 

• Better Texture and Juiciness: Water-absorbed chicken can turn rubbery or dry out as the excess water cooks off. Air-chilled chicken locks in natural juices and can stay on the tender side. 

• Better Marinades and Breading: Dry skin and surfaces absorb marinades, rubs, and breading much more effectively than water-logged skin resulting in a desirable eating experience. 

• Lower Cross-Contamination Risk: Cooling birds individually on racks instead of dumping birds into a shared communal tank significantly reduces bacterial spread. 

• Eco-Friendly: Air-chilling saves lots of water compared to standard industrial water-immersion methods. 

Here you'll see the air-chill process which cools the birds down rapidly with blasting cold air!

The 13 Core Differences in Our Air Chilled Chicken:

• Pasture Raised
• Moved Daily
• No Vaccines
• Corn Free
• Soy Free
• GMO Free
• Air-Chilled
• No Acid Wash (Only Organic Apple Cider Vinegar)
• Chemical Free
• No Growth Hormones or Antibiotics
• Humane Handling
• Regenerative Practices
• Non CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operation)

All these protocols that we are very passionate about truly make a difference when it comes to the eating experience! :) You can taste the difference!
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This is a glimpse of our pastured chicken. Lush grass and supplemental feed makes for the full diet. They live a happy life out on pasture and get a new buffet of grass and bugs every single day of their life! :)

Below is what "CAFO" (concentrated animal feeding operation), chicken looks like. Living on dirt and getting tons of grain dumped in front of them. :(  Which chickens do you think enjoy life more, the ones below or above?

Why Pasture Raised Chicken?

• Soil Regeneration: Chickens naturally spread and fertilize the land with nitrogen-rich manure as they rotate across the pastures which creates this beautiful cycle of "regeneration"!.

• Lower Footprint: Rotational grazing improves soil moisture retention and microbial health compared to crowded, static dirt lots.

• More Omega-3s: Contains up to 3 times more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and a lower omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.

• Higher Vitamins: Pastured Chicken may have about 50% more vitamins A, D, and E than conventional poultry.

• Less Saturated Fat: Contains roughly 20% to 30% less saturated fat than regular conventional chicken! It's called "healthy fat"... :)

• Clean Profile: Our Pastured Chicken is raised without the use of antibiotics, growth hormones, or synthetic drugs resulting in a clean, and desirable product... We also never vaccinate our chickens!

• Natural Living: Our Pastured birds live outdoors in mobile coops with constant access to fresh pasture, sunlight, bugs, and open air

• Foraging: Pastured Chickens are free to engage in natural behaviors like pecking, scratching, and eating a natural diet of grasses and insects.

The bottom line? Pastured Chicken that is air chilled, vinegar washed, and free of junk is a healthier protein! :)

Whether you are on a mission to eat more healthy chicken simply for yourself, or for the next generations, these are ideal protocols you want to shop for! Seek it out, ask your questions, and be intentional about it, it will reward you in the long run... :)

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Thanks again for taking the time to read our latest newsletter, and remember, if there is anything we can help you with please feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team, they are happy to help! :) Just call us at 717-442-9208 ext. 0, or reply to this email...

Blessings wished,
Dave, and everyone at Dutch Meadows Farms

Shop Our Pastured, Air-Chilled, Vinegar Washed Chicken Here...