Organic chicken has become increasingly popular in recent years, but what exactly does “organic” mean when it comes to poultry? This detailed guide breaks down everything you need to know about organic chicken, from farming practices to health benefits.
The Definition of Organic Chicken
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established clear standards that poultry must meet in order to be certified organic. At its core, organic chicken must be:
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Raised using organic farming methods from no later than the second day after hatching
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Fed only 100% certified organic feed and never given antibiotics or hormones
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Provided year-round access to the outdoors and direct sunlight
Organic certification focuses on the health and welfare of the animals as well as environmental sustainability. It’s a holistic approach that accounts for every aspect of the chicken’s lifecycle.
The Benefits of Organic Chicken
Choosing organic chicken offers several advantages:
Nutrition. Studies show organic chicken contains more omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants than conventionally raised chicken. The varied diet and natural lifestyle enhance the nutritional quality.
Flavor. The superior diet and genetics of organic chickens lead to more intense, robust flavor. Many describe organic chicken as tasting significantly better.
Animal welfare. Organic standards mean the chickens are able to engage in natural behaviors outdoors with plenty of space to move around, dust bathe, and forage.
Environmental sustainability. Organic production promotes soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation by avoiding synthetic chemicals.
No antibiotics or hormones. Preventative use of antibiotics and hormones are prohibited on organic farms, reducing human exposure.
Organic Chicken Farming Practices
Organic Feed
Organic chickens are fed a vegetarian diet free of any animal by-products. Their feed must be 100% certified organic, meaning it is grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Specific approved supplements can be added to balance the diet.
Access to Outdoors
Outdoor access is mandatory for organic poultry. The space must allow chickens to exhibit natural behaviors like scratching, dust bathing, and foraging. Many organic producers aim to provide over 2 square feet per bird. Mobile coops may be used to give birds fresh pasture.
Healthcare
Organic standards emphasize preventative health measures like good sanitation, ventilation, and stress reduction. While vaccines are allowed, antibiotics can only be used if a chicken becomes ill and must then leave the organic program.
Breed Selection
Organic farmers often choose breeds adapted to thriving outdoors, such as Plymouth Rocks, Dominiques, and Wyandottes. The use of genetically engineered or artificially produced breeds is prohibited.
Living Conditions
Chickens must be kept in conditions that limit stress and allow natural behaviors. This means sufficient indoor space, perches, dust bathing areas, and natural light. Beak trimming and other mutilations are not allowed.
Comparing Organic and Conventional Chicken
There are some notable differences between organic chicken and conventionally raised chicken:
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Price: Organic chicken costs more to produce so it retails for a higher price, often 50% or more than conventional.
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Antibiotic usage: Preventative antibiotics are standard in conventional poultry but prohibited for organic. This helps reduce antibiotic resistance.
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Living conditions: While “free-range” chickens have outdoor access, the space and freedom to move is typically more limited than organic standards.
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Feed: Conventional chicken feed contains animal by-products and GMOs, both prohibited in organic production.
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Availability: Conventional chicken dominates the majority of the market while organic options are less common but growing.
Identifying and Purchasing Organic Chicken
Look for the USDA Organic Seal
The green and white USDA Organic seal is the best way to verify chicken is certified organic. Other labels like “natural,” “free-range,” and “cage-free” don’t ensure organic standards were met.
Read Labels Closely
Check ingredients on processed products to confirm all ingredients are organic. “Made with organic” means it contains at least 70% organic ingredients.
Support Local Organic Farms
Visiting farmers markets, local food cooperatives, and independent organic farms is a great way to get high-quality organic chicken and support sustainable agriculture.
Research Brands Online
For online purchases, research the brand’s farming practices and certifications to ensure the organic label is trustworthy. Customer reviews can help too.
Cooking with Organic Chicken
Organic chicken performs extremely well in recipes. Its robust flavor really shines through when cooked properly. Here are some tips:
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Allow the chicken to fully thaw if frozen before cooking
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Pat the chicken dry and lightly season with salt, pepper, herbs or spices
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Roast, grill, sauté or bake – organic chicken works great with all cooking methods
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Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F
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Let rest 5-10 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute
Organic chicken provides a simple way to upgrade your favorite weeknight meals, from hearty chicken noodle soup to golden roasted whole chicken. The possibilities are endless!
The Future of Organic Chicken
Consumer demand for organic chicken continues to steadily grow. This encourages more farmers to adopt organic practices and innovations that make organic production more efficient and affordable. With greater awareness of the benefits of organic standards for health, animal welfare and sustainability, the future looks bright for organic chicken.
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ORGANIC vs. NON-ORGANIC CHICKEN | What’s The Difference?
FAQ
What qualifies chicken as organic?
These standards include: The birds must be raised organically no later than two days after they hatch; They must be fed certified organic feed for their entire lives.
What is the difference between organic chicken and regular chicken?
No antibiotics or growth hormones: Organic chickens are reared without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones, ensuring a more natural development. Organic feed: Chickens are fed certified organic feed, which is non-GMO and free from synthetic pesticides and herbicides.
How can you tell if chicken is organic?
Organic Chicken
The “organic” label is a good one to look out for, but keep in mind it just means that the chickens have been fed a certified organic diet and often — but not always — means the farming practices used in feeding the birds are better.
Which is better, organic or free range chicken?
4. Organic chicken may be healthier for us. While there is no significant nutritional difference between organic and factory-farmed chicken, non-organic chickens who are frequently given antibiotics can develop antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria–plus they’re more likely to be infected with salmonella.