Gregor Fyfefounder of free-range pork farm Freedom Farms. Photo / Babiche Martens
Gregor Fyfefounder of free-range pork farm Freedom Farms. Photo / Babiche Martens
Pork is the theme today, but not any old pork; this article is dedicated to those piggies that have been raised with respect and freedom, resulting in delicious meat.
I recently visited Gregor Fyfefounder of Freedom Farms - a company established as a reaction to common farming methods.A natural environment was created at their seven SPCA-approved farms situated around New Zealand to allow pigs room to run, root up the ground and straw, wallow in mud holes and enjoy plenty of open space, fresh air and natural sunlight.
Fyfefounder explained to me that the mother pigs have individual houses where they can sleep, build nests and have their piglets running around - as it should be, instead of in a sow crate with only enough room to feed their babies if they are turned on one side.
These are apparently healthy, happy pigs producing a natural composition of meat and fat. It makes perfect sense that the pork and bacon will taste far better as a result.
Yes, it is more expensive, but I think it's better to eat less of better quality. This pork contains no chemicals, no growth hormones, there is no cruelty and there are no stressed, miserable animals surrounded by concrete and metal, producing tough meat. Plus, with the ever-increasing demand for lean products, it has been reported that on some farms chemicals are fed to pigs to change their natural fat structure. Yuck.
Traceability is another issue. So many pork-based products for sale are made from overseas pork, farmed in countries where the consumer knows little about the additives in the feed, let alone the conditions of the farms.
So, keep it simple, get back to the old ways and let nature do its thing. Both your body and conscience will be better off for it.
Chef's tip
Freedom Farms Pork and bacon is available at Farro and at New World Victoria Park and Remuera, Auckland. Ask at your local butcher. Several new stockists are being added around the country each week so go to www.freedomfarms.co.nz or call (09) 366 0448.
