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Omnivoria:
Foray Into the Full Organic
by Nathaniel Orion Cousins, M.D., J.D (retired), from the June 2006 newsletter
My previous columns have all dealt with “natural” meats, which the USDA defines as “minimally processed.” The USDA considers any meat not treated with hormones or antibiotics in the last 40 days to be “natural,” and allows it to be sold as such. Our sources for meats at the Co-op take the definition of “natural” much more literally, abstaining from any use of hormones or antibiotics for their animals, period. This is all well and good, and we as consumers definitely benefit from their ethical and sustainable practices, not to mention the excellent meat products they send our way.
Organic meats, on the other hand, have a much stricter row to hoe. They must ensure that their animals are fed only organic-raised feeds, never given drugs or hormones, and processed without nitrates, nitrites, MSG, or other chemical preservatives. This all translates into an increased cost for the producer, which is inevitably handed down to the consumer. The higher price is definitely a concern for many these days, but after my own recent experience I can certainly see it as money well spent.
I am talking about Sara-Joe’s Organic Potato Sausage, from Sara-Joe’s Pork Products, of St. John, WA. That’s right, practically a neighbor of the Co-op, as local a meat purveyor as we are likely to see. They are a small family ranch operated on land originally homesteaded by their family in 1863. They are surrounded by rolling wheat fields, and bordered by the Palouse River. They take a great deal of pride in raising their animals in a humane and ethical manner, as well as taking pride in maintaining their Organic Certification through the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
I brought home their potato sausage to try. The first thing I noticed about these sausages was the price, at almost $8.00 for a package of four sausages. A small price to pay for sausages with only six ingredients: pork, potatoes, sea salt, dried onion, white pepper, and allspice. That’s right, that’s all. No chemicals, no colors, no words beyond pronunciation, and all the ingredients are listed as organic, except for the sea salt. My inner gastronomist was already intrigued before I opened the package, and my mind reeled with ideas for these delectable treats. I remembered in time to keep it simple, and settled for roasting them in the oven with a light dusting of salt and black pepper, the better to appreciate them for themselves.
I am glad I did, they were succulent and juicy, without the excessive greasiness of most commercial sausages. They would be excellent; I am sure, in any of the popular applications for sausage: boiled in beer, grilled over coals, cut in pieces and simmered in BBQ sauce, anything. I personally look forward to trying them again, as the centerpiece for my patented Game Day Sandwiches.
I encourage those of you so inclined to stop on by our meat department (or freezer case) and take home a package of Sara-Joe’s Potato Sausages or other products the next time you have a taste for pork. You won’t regret it, and you will be able to take pride in knowing that your purchase supports not only the Co-op, but a local purveyor as well. Happy Eating!
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