Call of the Wild
(Page 4 of 4)
September/October 2006
By Ken Hoyt
Becoming a mindful eater also means getting to know farms that raise animals while being respectful of their nature. By knowing about and supporting these kinds of farms, I connect with the meat I eat in a better, saner way.
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The supermarket disconnects us from our food sources by allowing us to remain oblivious to problems with factory farming, such as chickens crammed into tiny, indoor cages or acre after acre of cattle packed into feedlots. To combat this oblivion, invest some time in learning how your steaks and burgers are produced. Support labels that certify animals are raised in ways healthful to them and the land, and avoid factory-farm products. Restore mindfulness to meat eating.
MATTHEW L. MILLER is the director of communications for The Nature Conservancy of Idaho. Reprinted with permission from the Land Institute’s Prairie Writers Circle (LandInstitute.org).
Consume with Caution
A fatal neurological ailment called chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been detected on venison farms in several states. Scientists are unsure whether humans who eat sick deer or elk could be infected. If you’re concerned, most states offer testing for CWD. Check CWD-info.org or APHIS.usda.gov/vs/nahps/cwd for more information.
Tips for Cooking Game
Wild game species found in North America include alligator, antelope, bison, caribou, deer, elk, moose, rabbit, reindeer, squirrel, turtle and wild boar. Game birds include duck, grouse, pheasant, partridge, quail, wild turkey and wild geese.
Farm-raised game has a stronger flavor than domesticated species, but is milder than wild game. Game animals haven’t been bred for the fat marbling that produces tender meat, so cook it slowly and never overcook, which toughens meat.
The best resource for game meat may be your local gourmet grocery. Eatwild (Eatwild.com) provides a searchable index of grass-fed meats, including wild game.
Wild About Game 2006
•Saturday, September 30, 2006
•Oregon Convention Center, Portland
•To learn more or purchase tickets, log onto NickyUSA.com or call (800) 469-4162.
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