Get 5% Off + a Free Item for Life
When you Subscribe and Save

What to Make with Chicken Thighs

posted on

November 9, 2020

Screen-Shot-2020-11-04-at-11.53.25-AM.png

People don't often realize that the chicken breasts are not the part of the bird where you'll find the best flavor: it's in the chicken thighs.

Thigh meat is darker, fattier, and more flavorful. Whether you roast it, fry it, or grill it, you can look forward to an incredibly fulfilling dish!

Here, we go over three of our favorite chicken thigh recipes! Try one—or all—of these the next time you have some chicken thighs on hand!

How to Grill Chicken Thighs

For starters, we are going to give you some tips on how to grill chicken thighs. This cut of meat is particularly suited for the grill because of its extra skin and fat. These additions help keep the chicken thighs together when faced with high heats and keep the meat inside tender and juicy.

Before you start grilling, make sure your grill is clean and ready for use. Once this simple step is complete, it's time to get cooking!

Step 1: Dethaw Your Chicken

This step may not apply to you if your chicken has already thawed. However, before proceeding, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Be sure that your chicken thighs have thawed out entirely. Grilling chicken that is even slightly icy will prevent it from cooking all the way through, which can lead to sickness and unpleasant tastes. 
  • Rinse thawed chicken thighs under cold water. 
  • Pat them dry

Once you successfully dethawed your chicken, move onto the next step.

Step 2: Pick Your Seasonings

During this step, you have the freedom to choose which seasonings sound best to you! Don't be afraid to experiment a little with what you have.

Some of the more popular combinations you can try are:

  • Salt and pepper – the ole’ stand-by. ;) This combination is something you likely have on hand and are always great seasoning options. 
  • Garlic – whether you have fresh garlic or a powdered form, garlic will quickly add a robust flavor to your chicken.
  • Other herbs and spices – BBQ, Italian, Zesty and fresh...there are so many different combinations you can try, so pick out some of your favorites and give them a go!

Adding thick layers of seasonings during this stage will help create a crisp exterior when you grill them.

To help your seasonings stick and help with the crisping process, it is usually a good idea to lightly coat the chicken thighs with some butter or even olive oil. When you go to grill them, these coatings will caramelize and will help to hold in all those yummy flavors.

Once you have all of your seasonings on, it is time to take them to the grill and get started on one of our fantastic chicken recipes!

Step 3: Grill the Chicken Thighs

When you're ready to grill the chicken thighs, start by heating the grill. With any chicken, you must cook it to an interior temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is the safest because, at that level, the heat destroys any potential bacteria, making the chicken safe for you to eat.

As a good rule of thumb, your grill should be at a medium-low temperature. This temperature range will allow the chicken to cook all the way through, producing a crispy outside and juicy inside. If the temperature is too hot, you're going to get a charred exterior and dry meat.

When you choose to grill your bone-in chicken thighs, or boneless skinless chicken thighs, you will need some patience. Typically, this cut of meat is going to take approximately 45 minutes to cook thoroughly. Allow this time to get the most out of the meat and have the best final product possible.

NOTE: We recommend using a meat thermometer to take the guesswork out of determining when they are safely cooked.

Once done, go ahead and remove them from the hot grill and place them on a clean plate. Let them sit for about ten minutes to ensure that all of the juices settle and distribute throughout the meat. After that, try and cut into one of the thicker pieces to make sure that it has fully cooked.

Note: If you see any pink or veiny sections, go ahead and put them all back on the grill for another 5 to 10 minutes to avoid the risk of getting sick.

Step 4: Add Your Favorite Sauces (Optional)

Grilled chicken thighs with some BBQ sauce or other sweet sauces are the perfect meal for a cookout.

If you would like to add some sauces to your chicken, the easiest way to do it is by using a culinary brush to paint it on to each chicken thigh. Adding these sauces is a surefire way to add those lasting flavors that everyone is going to enjoy.

When it comes down to sauces, feel free to buy pre-made options from the store, or if you're feeling up for it, make your own from scratch!

If you’re in the Roanoke, Indiana area make sure to visit our farm store for local artisan BBQ sauces that are all High-Fructose Corn syrup- FREE.

Step 5: Pair with Your Favorite Sides

While everyone will love the tasty chicken, it is always best to pair it with some sides to complete the whole meal.

If you are going for the BBQ feel, adding some baked beans, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw on the side is a great option. Any of these sides will pair nicely with your grilled chicken thighs. 

Now, make a plate and enjoy! 

How to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Oven

Roasted chicken thighs are one of the most popular ways to cook this cut of meat, and we assure you that there is a reason this method is on the top of many people's lists! Here are the top three reasons:

  1. Baked chicken thighs are easy to make. 
  2. They are always incredibly tasty. 
  3. Oven cooked meals are almost always easy to clean.

With this recipe, you can cook your entire meal with only one pan, making it an efficient meal to prepare and clean. Continue reading for some great tips on how you can prepare a delicious home-cooked meal all in the oven!

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken Thighs

Baked chicken thighs make for a beautiful meal, but there are some tips you should know to cook them properly.

Again, make sure that your chicken thighs have thawed entirely before cooking. It is always the safest option and will protect you from consuming uncooked meat. Then, you will want to wash and pat the skins dry so that the seasonings will have a solid surface to stick on!

For this meal, we recommend using seasonings with intense aromas and a collection of herbs and spices. As you roast the chicken, those flavors will come out even stronger and seep into the meat – we assure you, everyone will love these baked chicken thighs!

Once you have finished seasoning, select a dish that has deep enough sides so that your chicken will be surrounded and have some protection from the heat of the oven.

Step 2: Grease Your Dish

Next, you will want to grease the dish you have selected so that your baked chicken thighs will not stick to the sides. You can use a cooking spray or brush the pan with olive oil. The choice is yours, depending on your cooking preferences.

Step 3: Add in the Chicken Thighs

After all sides of the dish are entirely coated, you can carefully add in your chicken thighs. Leave a little bit of room in between them so that they can cook evenly and place them with the seasoned side up.

For that extra crisp that we all love, you can also brush some more olive oil on to the top. It will help the skins to crisp up and make the exterior crunchy and flavorful with every bite.

Make sure to leave enough room around the chicken, as we will be adding in some extra ingredients in the next steps! If you have to, you can always use an extra sheet pan for cooking the remaining ingredients.

Step 4: Chop Up Some Veggies

Baked chicken thighs are a healthy and hearty meal on their own, but creating a lovely oven roast, complete with roasted veggies, is a great pairing. In fact, this is one of our favorite chicken thigh recipes!

Once you have finished prepping your chicken, put it off to the side for a few and go ahead and select some of your favorite veggies for roasting.

Our favorite vegetables for roasting with a chicken recipe include:

  • Onions
  • Peppers
  • Zucchini
  • Squash
  • Potatoes
  • Garlic

These veggies are flavorful on their own. When cooked in the oven with the chicken, they will gather some of the chicken aroma and flavor. It's a match made in heaven. Once you have made your selections, chop all of them into bite-sized pieces and place them into a large bowl.

To make sure that all of the veggies crisp up nice and evenly, coat them lightly with olive oil and then mix them up so that each piece has some oil on it.

You can then add those veggies to either your pan with chicken in it so that you only have to use one pan or to a separate sheet pan if you want them to be extra crunchy. 

If you choose to go with the sheet pan option, it is best to leave a little room and scatter all of the veggies around. This arrangement will help to make sure they cook evenly and acquire that perfect crisp!

Step 5: Throw it All in the Oven!

Preheat your oven anywhere from 375°F - 425°F. Make sure it is up to your desired temperature before you place everything inside.

Baked chicken thighs can take some time to cook, especially since the bone is still in the meat. Leave them in the oven for 35-40 minutes before checking on them.

Ready to cook the veggies? Here's how:

  • Option 1: Adding the veggies into the same pan as the chicken thighs will likely increase the time it takes to cook everything. If, however, you choose to cook them on a sheet pan, you can place them in a few minutes before you put the chicken in as they will usually take a little longer to cook.
  • Option 2: You can also use your slow cooker! If you are going to be out of the house for the entire day and want a yummy and hearty meal to come home to, the slow cooker is always a great backup plan.

Using a slow cooker will give you the same results as an oven and will free you up from having to watch it while it cooks. You can set it to a medium-low setting and put both the chicken thighs and veggies in for hours at a time.

Step 6: Take Everything Out of the Oven

Like with the grilled instructions, baked chicken thighs will need a few minutes to stand before you cut into them. It will allow all of the juices to settle and help you make sure that it has cooked all the way through when you eat them.

Now, you can prepare your plate with a healthy combination of roasted veggies and some baked chicken thighs and enjoy your fantastic, home-cooked meal!

How to Cook Chicken Thighs in a Pan

While baked chicken thighs are among the more popular dishes, many people fail to remember that you can also cook them on the stovetop in a pan!

As with other recipes and meats, pan-frying is an excellent technique to get the skins nice and crispy before you go to enjoy them. Here are some simple steps to follow if you choose to cook your chicken thighs in a pan.

Step 1: Season the Chicken Thighs

As with the other two methods, make sure to season your boneless skinless chicken thighs! For this recipe, you have the freedom to choose whatever you like, and you won't need a lot of them to get the flavor you are looking for with the pan fry method.

Go ahead and finish up with the seasonings and then set them to the side. Now, it is time to prep your pan.

Step 2: Prep the Cast Iron Skillet

You can use any pan you have on hand, but we will focus on the cast iron skillets. These pans are great for so many reasons and are a great way to cook your chicken thighs.

As with the other methods, you will want to make sure to grease your pan so that the chicken does not get stuck at any time during the cooking process. For this step, you can use either oil or butter, depending on the type of flavor you enjoy.

Butter is very rich and will infuse the skin of the chicken. However, oil works well in making the outside crisp and capturing the flavor of the seasonings. Ultimately, the choice is up to you!

Place your prepped cast iron skillet on the stovetop and set the burner to a medium temperature. You need to make sure that the oil does not get too hot or will quickly charr your chicken. A medium temperature is always a safe bet and will give you the desired finished product.

Step 3: Place Your Chicken Thighs in the Pan

Be very careful during this step as the oil can splatter if you drop in the chicken thighs. Slowly and carefully lay each chicken thigh into the pan and let the cooking process begin!

Unlike the other cooking methods, you will have to monitor the thighs to make sure they are cooking correctly and not getting too charred early in the cooking process.

You are also going to have to flip them halfway through so that both sides have the chance to cook. Usually, at around the 15-20-minute mark, you can go ahead and flip them and allow them to cook for another 15-20 minutes before you remove them from the heat.

Step 4: Prepare Your Side Dishes

While your chicken is cooling, you can go ahead and prep your side in the same cast-iron skillet – again using only one pan! For this recipe, we recommend cooking some fresh green beans to serve alongside the chicken thighs.

Add a little bit more oil or butter to the pan, and then place your freshly washed green beans in as well. These will not take very long to cook, and it is up to you on how you want them to look and taste!

Step 5: Enjoy!

Now that you have cooked everything, go ahead and make your plate! Enjoy this wonderful meal!

Conclusion

Whether you choose to grill, bake, or pan-fry your chicken thighs, we guarantee that you will love the finished product.

There are so many chicken thigh recipes to choose from, and these are just some of the many ways you can prepare this versatile meal. We hope that you have some fun experimenting in the kitchen with these tasty chicken recipes!

More from the blog

A Complete Guide to Pork Cuts and How to Cook Them

Pork is a versatile meat rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a great addition to a healthy diet, and you can cook it in various ways. Which cut of pork you choose and how to cook it, depends on a few things.  Before deciding which cut is right for you, consider the source. Pasture-raised, heritage breeds produce more flavorful pork with better nutritional content[1] than standard grocery store products.  But can you tell the difference between pasture-raised pork and industrially produced pork? Yes! Our pork is firm and darker pink in color (indicating the animal was pasture-raised). Pork meat that is pale in color, soft, or damp was most likely factory-farmed. As a bonus, all our pork is sugar-free and free from GMOs, nitrates, and antibiotics. Now that we’ve sorted that out, let’s talk about the different pork cuts!  1. Bacon  Bacon is a breakfast staple for a reason, and it’s our #1 selling product of all! These thin slices of pork are quick to cook–making them a great, tasty breakfast, lunch, or dinner option! We recommend frying, baking, or grilling your pork bacon until it turns dark pink and the fat is crispy around the edges. Bonus: You don’t need to stop at breakfast with your bacon. Wrap a tasty filet mignon, top your favorite hamburger, or make bite-sized pieces to mix in with oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or Cobb salad. 2. Pork Sausage Another breakfast staple – pork sausage – is made of cuts from the shoulder and loin of the pig. We season our sausage with black pepper, red pepper, rosemary, and sage to give it a rich, hearty taste.  For the healthiest option, grill or oven-bake your sausages until browned and cooked through–or fry them in a skillet for 10-12 minutes. Then, serve with eggs, in a breakfast sandwich, or with a side of sweet potato hash. 3. Ham Ham comes from the hind leg of the hog. Our heritage ham roast is brined and smoked by artisan butchers for a melt-in-the-mouth texture and subtly sweet flavor. Unless they say they’re ‘fresh,’ hams usually arrive pre-cooked, but you can still work some magic through crusting, seasoning, then oven-roasting them. Our recipe for maple glazed ham is a family favorite.  4. Bone-in Pork Chops Bone-in pork chops are a premium cut sourced from the loin of the pig. They’re renowned for their marbling, tenderness, and depth of flavor, making them a tasty centerpiece for any dinner party.  Pork chops are also versatile. You can marinate them and then toss them on the grill, sautée, or oven-roast them with herbs and spices for added flavor. And they’ll be ready in under an hour from start to finish! And, you can keep it simple by topping with your favorite BBQ sauce. For something that will wow your guests, try our recipe for pork chops with pear sauce. 5. Ground Pork Cut primarily from the shoulder and hind sections, ground pork is the perfect base for meals across cuisines: Italian meatballs and pasta sauces, French casseroles, soups or stews, and much more. How you cook your ground pork will depend on what you’re making.  6. Baby Back Ribs  Baby back ribs come from the back and loin of the pig. They’re smaller and meatier than their spare ribs, and quicker to cook. You can use a dry rub or glaze with your favorite seasoning, then bake or barbecue until the meat easily pulls away from the bone. 7. Pork Shoulder Pork shoulder is a hearty, flavourful cut of meat perfect for slow cooking, smoking, or roasting. We love putting it in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours, along with garlic, onion, and spices. When the pork shoulder comes out, it’s juicy and tender, falling apart with a touch of the fork. 8. Tenderloin Pork tenderloin is a long, boneless cut of meat from the loin muscle that runs along the pig's backbone. This cut is mild in flavor and tender, so you can cook it in a variety of ways.  Try pork tenderloin prepared in the slow cooker with a creamy garlic sauce for a simple mid-week dinner. Our pork Wellington recipe is sure to impress for a show-stopping dinner. 9. Pork Crown A pork crown is created by tying a whole bone-in pork loin into a circle. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for a family gathering or dinner party. The best way to cook it is to roast it. First, rub it with garlic and herbs, then let it marinate overnight. The next day, roast it in the oven for 1.5-2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. 10. Pork Butt Despite what the name indicates, pork butt comes from high up in the shoulder of the pig. This cut is known for its marbling and depth of flavor, and it’s usually smoked or roasted to make pulled pork.  As with pork shoulder, you’ll want to rub the pork butt with your chosen seasoning before slow cooking in the oven, smoker, or slow cooker for 6-8 hours (depending on the size of your cut). Once it’s cooked, cut the skin off and shred the meat. You can serve it immediately or let the pork marinate overnight so it soaks up more flavor. 11. Pork Loin  Pork loin is a rich, flavorful cut of meat that comes from any part of the loin section. It’s larger and juicier than pork tenderloin, making it ideal for roasting, grilling, or braising. For a quick, tasty meal, you can cut your pork loin into steaks and fry them in butter or an oil of your choice for 8-10 minutes. 12. Pork Belly “Candied” Pork belly is a popular restaurant dish for a reason. When cooked to perfection, this juicy, tender cut of meat will melt in your mouth. You can see Blaine’s take on Alton Brown’s Seared Pork Belly here. What Will You Go For? If you’re wondering which of the different cuts of pork is best for your needs, the answer is all of them! It all depends on what you’re making.  Whatever you fancy, you’ll taste the superior quality of pork products from our regenerative-focused family farm. Choose from a variety of sugar-free, heritage, pasture-raised pork cuts, delivered to your door. Footnotes1. https://practicalfarmers.org/research/fatty-acid-comparisons-of-grain-and-forage-fed-pork/

How to Cook Pork Sausages: Top 3 Methods

Whether served in a bun, mixed with rich tomato penne, or fried in a pan with eggs and cheese, protein-rich pork sausages are a versatile, delectable choice for a flavor-packed breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Not only are pork sausages rich, meaty, and delicious, but they can also make for a nutritious meal if you buy the right type. Some sausages include added sugar and are high in sodium and additives, which don’t bode well for a healthy diet.  However, if you choose pasture-raised, heritage pork sausages, you’ll get high-quality meat free of hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs. This makes for a healthier, ethical choice and better taste. Not to “humble brag,” but we’re kind of known for our sugar-free breakfast sausage, so we feel really good about putting together this article. 🙂 But, for those of you who prefer to make your own sausage, our ground pork is perfect! Here, we’ll discuss the top three ways to cook sugar-free, heritage pork sausages perfectly. Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 12 minutes Servings: 6-8 What You'll Need One of the appeals of cooking pork sausages is how quick and easy the process is. Because the meat is so naturally flavourful, all you’ll need is a tablespoon of oil, and you’re ready to go:  1 tbsp oil (Avocado or Extra Virgin Olive) 1 lb. Sugar-Free Pork Sausage All our pastured pork sausage is made from the highest-quality meat raised on our regenerative family farm or within our trusted partner farm network. With the cooking methods below, enjoy a variety of flavors, including kielbasa, Italian, bratwurst, and breakfast patties. Instructions Now, it’s time to explore our three favorite methods for cooking pork sausages: on the stove, in the oven, and on the grill. Cooking on the Stovetop This is the classic way to cook pork sausages–and it’s quick and easy.  Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place four sausages in the skillet, cooking for 5 minutes on each side or until the middle of the patties reaches 160°F.  Once cooked, remove the sausages from the skillet and let stand for five minutes.  Repeat the process until all sausages are done.  Baking in the Oven If you’re looking for an oil-free or low-effort cooking method, baking your pork sausages is the way to go.  Preheat oven to 375°F. While it warms, line a baking tray with non-stick parchment paper and place the sausages or patties on it. Put the tray in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until sausages or patties reach 160°F. Halfway through baking time, flip so they’re nicely browned all over.  For extra crispy results, cook sausages in a skillet on high heat for two minutes after baking.  Option: You can also use a cast iron skillet as an alternative to a baking sheet. Cooking on the Grill In the mood for a barbecue? Pork sausage links also cook wonderfully on the grill. Here’s what to do:  Preheat grill to medium-high heat and gently oil grates. Place sausages on grill, cooking for roughly 5 minutes on each side or until the middle of the sausages reach 160°F.  Remove sausages from the grill and let stand for five minutes.  Why Sugar-Free Pork Sausage? If you’re watching your carb intake, sugar-free is a given. But even if you don’t mind a touch of added sugar to your diet, it's a good idea to be mindful of the sugar content in products like bacon and sausages. Added sugar in pork products indicates they’re highly processed, and highly processed foods have been linked to a variety of health problems, including increased risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. To ensure you choose a healthy and tasty option, look for nutrition labels that are free of sugar and contain only a handful of ingredients: pork, water, and natural herbs and spices. All our pork product labels look like this because they’re all sugar-free! Side Dishes to Pair with Pork Sausage Pork sausages make for a hearty, delicious meal any time of the day. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve them for a mouth-wateringly tasty breakfast, lunch, or dinner:  Breakfast Gooey egg, sausage, and cheese breakfast sandwich Colorful fried sausage, veggie, and potato hash  Old-fashioned sausages, biscuits and gravy  Lunch Sauteed peppers, sausage, and onions laced with red pesto  Grilled sausages with creamy coleslaw and a dressed summer salad  Spiced, baked eggplant stuffed with herbs and sauteed sausage  Dinner  Sweet, zingy tomato and sausage penne pasta  Grilled sausages served with baked sweet potato wedges and roasted vegetables  Crumbled spicy sausage and caramelized onion pizza  Expert Tips & Tricks Before we dive into the cooking instructions, here are some helpful tips and tricks to keep in mind to get the perfect sausages every time:  Before cooking your breakfast sausage patties, gently press your thumb down into the center of each one. This will help the sausage to retain its circular shape during cooking.  When it comes to sausages, slow and steady wins the race. That means cooking them on low to medium heat. Otherwise, you risk a burned outside and undercooked inside.  While cooking as many patties or links as you can in a skillet might be tempting, it’s better to cook them in manageable batches. If you don’t, you may accidentally steam the sausages instead of browning them, and lose out on the crispy exterior. Once your sausages are cooked, allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will make every bite more juicy and tender.  For the perfect pork sausage, a meat thermometer is your best friend! You’ll want to ensure the sausage's innermost part reaches 160°F–that’s how you’ll know it’s ready.  Recipe FAQs Is it better to cook sausages in the oven or pan? How you cook your pork sausages depends on your preferences. The oven, skillet, and grill are all great options. The oven is the best option if you prefer a more hands-off approach to cooking, but we'd recommend the pan if you enjoy sizzling your sausages to perfection.  What’s the difference between Italian sausage and breakfast sausage?  Seven Sons’ Italian and breakfast sausages are both beautifully seasoned and sugar-free. The major difference between the two is our selection of herbs and spices in each. While the breakfast sausage is milder and lighter in flavor, with hints of sage and rosemary, the Italian sausage has a lightly spiced flavor thanks to the addition of paprika.  How should sausages be cooked? Pork sausages are versatile and delicious. For best results, you can cook them in several ways, including in the oven, on a skillet, or on a grill.  Can you pan-fry pork sausages? Absolutely! Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat to pan-fry pork sausages. Next, cook your sausage patties for five minutes on each side or until the middle of the patties has reached 160°F. Don’t forget to let them rest for a few minutes after cooking, so they’re extra juicy and tender.  Should I add any seasonings to the sausage patties? Seven Son’s breakfast and Italian pork sausages are already perfectly seasoned with a delicate blend of herbs and spices, meaning all you need to do is cook them!  Can I store leftover cooked pork sausage? Yes, it’s easy to store leftover pork sausage. First, let the meat cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days.  Ready to Cook?  Try Seven Sons’ delicious, sugar-free pork sausage range today. As always, we’d love to know what you think! So, let us know if you tried our recipes and how it turned out!

What Is Heritage Pork? All About Heritage Pig Breeds

Here’s a little-known fact: the picture of pigs we’re all accustomed to today is nothing like the heritage breeds that first came to America hundreds of years ago.  Most of today’s pigs are the product of industrial farming practices. They’re bred not for their caliber, but for mass production. The origin of heritage pig breeds dates back thousands of years, and they’re renowned for their hardiness, nutritional content, environmental benefits, and sustainability.  History and Characteristics of Heritage Pigs Pigs have been part of the agricultural world since ancient times. Until the Industrial Farming Revolution, these animals lived on open fields and pastures—a far cry from the uniform ‘pink’ pig we know today.  They came in distinct breeds: the long-legged auburn Tamworth, the ebony-coloured Berkshire, and more.  Farmers carefully selected the best of these heritage pigs for breeding, with the idea of nurturing hardy, robust animals with strong immune systems and tasty, nutritious meat.  At Seven Sons, we cross-breed our Heritage pigs like the ones pictured above with modern varieties for a balanced combination of hardiness traits and a fat/flavor profile. Most pork you find in supermarkets comes from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).  Unlike heritage breeds, factory-farmed pigs aren’t so much bred for quality as they are for QUANTITY. The pigs are unfortunately farrowed in small crates and often given antibiotics to combat the diseases that inevitably develop in such crowded conditions.  Not only is the industrial approach unkind to the animals and the planet, but also results in loss of hardiness, natural immunity, maternal instincts, and an inability to sustain diverse weather conditions. For instance, our hogs happily and healthily thrive on pasture even during winter: Why Buy Heritage Pork? Once you try heritage pork, you’ll immediately taste the difference compared to factory-farmed meat. Heritage pork is renowned for its intensity of flavor, juiciness, marbling, and tenderness. It’s nothing like the bland, dry pork you often get at the grocery store.  Heritage pork is also nutritionally superior because heritage breeds are pasture-raised with plenty of space to roam and play. Their lives are stress-free and spent in a natural environment, making for healthier, happier animals.  In addition, we never use GMOs, antibiotics, or growth promotants – all of which reduce the nutritional profile of the meat.  Lastly, ethically sourced meat is better for the planet. Pigs play an essential role in promoting plant diversity because their rooting and foraging practices encourage soil activity. When farmers take a regenerative grazing approach to farming (rotating animals on the pasture to help with natural pest control and biodiversity), they’re working to restore soil health and build healthy ecosystems that sequester more carbon.  Ready to taste the difference? Shop our range of pasture-raised heritage pork today.