Pasture based eggs have two times the Omega 3 than conventional eggs.
The recent rains have really interfered with farm work progress. The ground is so saturated we can hardly walk on it no less use field equipment. We have about five dump truck loads of chicken litter to spread on our gardens but can’t get over the ground. And we certainly can’t work the ground in preparation for early spring plantings. But this has happened before and there always comes a time to get it done though it might not be as optimum.
We keep discovering research into the benefits of grass fed and pasture based meat and eggs. Recently, we wrote that when beef cattle are moved from green forage to grain they lose around 82% of the beneficial omega 3 fatty acids in 120 days. Now we have found research that indicates they lose about 97% of beta-carotene in just 60 days on grain. In addition, grass fed beef has 3 to 5 times more CLA and 4 times more vitamin E than grain fed.
Eggs from pastured hens are higher in quite a few nutrients. Recent research indicates pasture raised eggs have 3 to 6 times more vitamin D than conventional eggs. This benefit comes only from hens that actually are outdoors where they consume green forage and soak up the sunshine. Just because the store carton may say ‘certified organic’, ‘free range’, etc. does not mean they have ever been outside.
The vitamin D content is important because most Americans are low in this vitamin and there are few food sources for it. Another source is shiitake mushrooms.
Someone asked the other day if we added flax seed meal to our chicken feed to increase omega 3. The answer is we don’t need to since pastured chicken and eggs have double the omega 3 than conventional.
Please take notice of a change in market days. During the month of December we plan to be at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market on Friday (10:00 until 4:00); Saturday (8:00 until 4:00) and Sunday (10:00 until 4:00). We will not be there on Wednesday or Thursday.
We have a good supply of Pasture Finished Jersey Beef and Pasture Raised Chicken. All meats continue on sale at 10% off the regular price. Chicken leg quarters and whole wings are still on sale at 25% off.
Our hens are still laying lots of eggs so we are continuing $.50 off per dozen sale. Keep in mind we recycle one dozen egg cartons in good condition.
We plan to be restocked with shiitake mushrooms including fresh, dehydrated, and powder.
From the garden we have turnip and mustard greens, red Russian kale, Siberian kale, Tuscano kale, Swiss chard, savoy cabbage, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, collards, broccoli, turnip roots, and rutabaga.
We look forward to visiting with you at the market!
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