Pasture Raised Pork

There are several reasons to consider buying pasture-raised pork:

Animal welfare: Pasture-raised pigs are raised in a natural environment where they can roam freely, root around, and engage in natural behaviors. This leads to happier and healthier animals compared to pigs raised in confined, factory-farm conditions.

Nutritional benefits: Pasture-raised pork tends to be leaner and more nutrient-dense than conventionally raised pork. This is because pasture-raised pigs have access to a varied diet of grasses, roots, and other vegetation, which can increase the levels of important nutrients. Here are just a few examples:

  • Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that have been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health and brain function. Pasture-raised pigs tend to have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their meat compared to conventionally raised pigs.
  • More vitamin E: Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Pasture-raised pork can contain up to four times more vitamin E than conventionally raised pork, possibly due to the pigs’ exposure to sunlight and fresh air.
  • Lower levels of saturated fat: Saturated fat is a type of fat that has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Pasture-raised pork tends to be leaner and have lower levels of saturated fat compared to conventionally raised pork.
  • More conjugated linoleic acid (CLA): CLA is a type of fatty acid that has been linked to various health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved body composition. Pasture-raised pork can contain up to four times more CLA than conventionally raised pork.

Environmental sustainability: Pasture-raised pork can be more environmentally sustainable than conventionally raised pork, especially if the pigs are raised on regenerative farms that use sustainable practices like rotational grazing and composting. These practices can help improve soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and preserve biodiversity.

Flavor: Pasture-raised pork has a superior flavor compared to conventionally raised pork. This is because the pigs have a more varied diet, which can lead to more complex and nuanced flavors in the meat.

Overall, if you’re looking for a more humane, sustainable, and flavorful option when it comes to pork, pasture-raised pork is definitely worth considering.