Acre Gourmet | Sustainability

Why We Use Organic Ingredients

Organic Food Tastes Better Organic foods often taste better than processed, mass-produced foods because they are grown in well-balanced soils that are free of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, chemicals, hormones and antibiotics.

Organics support biodiversityThe loss of a wide variety of species through genetic engineering is a pressing concern. Organic farmers maintain farming traditions by growing heirloom varieties and preserving seeds for future generations.

Certified Organic Foods meet rigid standards and are safer for you and the earthAs outlined by The Organics Consumers Association, USDA Certified Organic foods abide by the following guidelines:

Abstain from the application of prohibited materials (including synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and sewage sludge) for 3 years prior to certification and then continually throughout their organic license
Prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms and irradiation
Employ positive soil building, conservation, manure management and crop rotation practices
Provide outdoor access and pasture for livestock
Refrain from antibiotic and hormone use in animals
Sustain animals on 100% organic feed
Avoid contamination during the processing of organic products
Keep records of all operations

(USDA. The National Organic Program. 8 Jan. 2006. USDA. 16 Nov. 2006. http://www.ams.usda.gov/) Why Natural Grass Fed Meat is Important

Meat, dairy products, poultry and eggs from animals fed grass diets are healthier for youThey are higher in beta carotene (Vitamin), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and
Omega-3 fatty acids. Initial research has shown all of these elements to be crucial in reducing cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure and other life-threatening diseases. In addition, meat from grassfed animal products is lower in fat and calories.

Consumers of grass-fed meat nearly eliminate their risk of becoming infected with pathogenic E. coli bacteria In the (unlikely) event that meat from a grassfed animal is contaminated with the naturally occurring E. coli bacteria, it will be easily killed by the normal acidity in a human digestive tract. Feeding large amounts of grain to animals causes the E. coli bacteria to become resistant to this acidity.

Grass-fed animals are healthier and grass-fed cows are not at risk of Mad Cow DiseaseAnimals allowed to graze in open fields live longer and can produce longer due to more natural, less stressful, conditions. Grass fed cows have no possibility of Mad Cow Disease because they are only fed grasses, hay, and grass silage (a form of fermented grass).

Grass-fed animals do not need antibioticsAntibiotics are used to combat "feedlot diseases," common when cattle are shipped to distant feedlots, mingled with animals from other herds and switched from their natural diet of grass to a grain-based feedlot diet. Pasture raised animals rarely require antibiotic treatment for the simple reason they are more healthy.

(American Grassfed Association. Frequently Asked Grassfed Questions.2003. AGA. 16 Nov. 2006. http://www.americangrassfed.org/AGA%20FAQs.htm)

Reasons Why We Use Local Ingredients Locally grown food tastes betterSeveral studies have shown that the average distance food travels from farm to plate is 1,500 miles. In a week-long (or more) delay from harvest to dinner table, sugars turn to starches, plant cells shrink, and produce loses its vitality. Food grown in your own community was probably picked within the past day or two. It's crisp, sweet and loaded with flavor.

Local produce is better for youA recent study showed that fresh produce loses nutrients quickly. Food that is frozen or canned soon after harvest is actually more nutritious than some "fresh" produce that has been on the truck or supermarket shelf for a week. Locally grown food, purchased soon after harvest, retains its nutrients.

Local food builds communityWhen you buy direct from the farmer, you are re-establishing a time-honored connection between the eater and the grower. Knowing the farmers gives you insight into the seasons, the weather, and the miracle of raising food. In many cases, it gives you access to a farm where your children and grandchildren can go to learn about nature and agriculture. Relationships built on understanding and trust can thrive.

Local food supports a clean environment and benefits wildlifeA well-managed family farm is a place where the resources of fertile soil and clean water are valued. Good stewards of the land grow cover crops to prevent erosion and replace nutrients used by their crops. Cover crops also capture carbon emissions and help combat global warming.

(Growing for Market. 2006. GFM. 10 Sept. 2006. http://www.growingformarket.com)