I like to know my food well.  You know, be on more than a first name basis with it.  I want to KNOW my food.  What it looks like, smells like, feels like.  Where it comes from, how it was grown, what was put into it or on it while grown. 

I'm not just being picky; it's a matter of health for me and my family.  Like many of you, after having kids, I examined everything much more closely.  Suddenly it was important to know if my food was organic or not, or whether it was grown without hormones.  But my transformation to being a food intimate was made complete when I was diagnosed with gluten intolerance almost 10 years ago.  Several allergies, intolerances and sensitivities were subsequently discovered in me as well as 2 of my children.  I HAVE to know what is in my food.  And I like it that way.

What better way to know my food than to buy local food.  My meals are now tastier, more colorful and fresher.  One of my favorite foods had been sausage.  But unfortuantely, it had become a potential source for hidden gluten (wheat used as filler).  How could I really trust what the labels said?  Then I spied Skagit River Ranch pork breakfast sausage at my local health food store.  Not only did the meat look great - beautiful color - but the label listed pure, simple ingredients.  Best of all, the meat was free range pork, raised locally and humanely, so I knew I could depend on its quality and taste.

The love affair with their sausage has continued in these ensuing years.  Whenever I start cooking it, the aroma instantly summons the children (19 on down to 4) chanting, "Favorite meat!  Favorite meat!"  And I love that our meal is pure: the animals are raised in certified organic fields and pastures, and they aren't vaccinated, but instead are fed a healthy diet of organic grains and are given mineral supplements with sea kelp to build strong immune systems.  The owners take great care to have the highest quality soil in order to have the best possible pasturing fields and grains to feed their livestock.  That care is apparent in every bite.  Now I can't wait to try their grass fed beef (rich in omega 3 and Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) - anti-oxidants known for fighting cancer) and Italian sausage.  Besides their free range pork products, they also raise pastured chickens and organic eggs.

Where to buy Skagit River Ranch products?  Their farm in Sedro Woolley, WA of course, but 6 Seattle area markets also carry their goods (see website for details -- www.skagitriverranch.com ).

To buy local food means my body is receiving prime nutrients, but it also means my food feels, looks, and tastes so darn good!

Skagit River Ranch
28778 Utopia Road    
Sedro Woolley, WA 98284    
360-856-0722     
eiko@skagitriverranch.com
www.skagitriverranch.com

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