You've heard about the health benefits of eating organic meats. But buying organic is not only good for you, it's good for the planet.
Raising farm animals on a natural diet of grazed grass requires much less fossil fuel than providing dried corn and soy for feedlot animals. And on pasture-based farms, the animals spread manure evenly over the soil, creating a natural source of organic fertilizer. That's a lot different than the feedlots, where built-up manure fouls the air, sickens the animals and pollutes streams, rivers and estuaries with excess nitrogen and phosphorus.
In order for their products to be certified organic by the US Department of Agriculture, farmers must meet USDA requirements. For instance, they cannot use chemical herbicides, fumigants, synthetic fertilizers or unapproved pesticides. Their animals must eat 100 percent organic feed and must have access to the outdoors. And animals whose meat is sold as organic have not received any antibiotics or hormones.
While the absence hormones and antibiotics may be the best known health benefit of eating organic meats, there are other benefits, too. Meat from animals who were free to roam outside contains less fat and fewer calories. Another added health benefit is that organic meats contain more omega-3 fatty acids than factory farm animals do. Omega-3 fatty acids play an essential role in protecting against high blood pressure, Alzheimer's Disease and other illnesses.
Organic meats are available almost everywhere these days, including many supermarkets. Beware when shopping though. "All natural," "free range" and "hormone-free" don't necessarily mean the meat is organic. Look for the USDA organic seal on the package, or the USDA-approved words, "Made with Organic Ingredients."
Store and prepare organic meats the way you would store any other meat product. Refrigerate or freeze the meat within two hours of purchase. And cook it to the correct internal temperature to kill potentially harmful bacteria. Wash your hands, utensils and counter tops frequently with hot, soapy water to avoid spreading bacteria.
Organic meats are good for Mother Earth and for you, and your taste buds will thank you. Look for that organic seal and enjoy!
