664041 Mon Nov 02 06:06:55 -0800 2009 22 23 Ontario (including Toronto) 0 5148507 OK, I love bacon. Really, really love bacon. If someone told me that I had to become vegetarian or else, bacon is the one meat I couldn't give up. I usually buy Bruno's side bacon and am very happy with it. But my brother in the States has been raving to me about the bacon from pasture-raised pigs and tells me the quality difference is really noticeable. He even offered to ship me some so I could discover this wonder for myself (the whole "shipping meat across the border" problem never occurred to him) . So...where in Toronto might I find a supply of pasture-raised bacon? A google search turned up Upper Canada Heritage Meat, but it doesn't look like they sell to any retailers in the GTA. Any leads would be appreciated! Mon Nov 02 06:06:55 -0800 2009 12124 TorontoJo 1 5148521 Rowe Farms on Queen East, perhaps? http://www.rowefarms.ca/retailstores.html Mon Nov 02 06:13:16 -0800 2009 5148507 185510 Bex714 2 5148560 I don't believe that Rowe Farms pigs are pasture raised. Pasture raised means the pigs are totally unconfined and can roam at will. I'm pretty sure Rowe Farms still keeps their pigs in barns, with access to an outdoor space. I could be wrong, though, so feel free to enlighten me! Mon Nov 02 06:33:06 -0800 2009 5148521 12124 TorontoJo 3 5148619 We drive by a farm near Peterborough that supplies Rowe Farms with pastured Tamworth pigs, almost daily. In fact, we bought two piglets in the spring to raise for ourselves. All I have to say, is that those pigs on that farm are the happiest pigs I have seen in a long time. They are outside and rotated through pastures year round, with their feed supplemented with hay and farm grown grain. Their shelters are portable and moved from pasture to pasture. Mon Nov 02 06:59:20 -0800 2009 5148560 180331 earthygoat 4 5149054 What's the name of the farm? Do they supply any other meat shop in the Toronto area or have their own? Nice to know Rowe Farms is being supplied with meat from happy animals, as I have been a little suspicious of them ever since I discovered that some of their Rowe Farm labelled eggs are from caged birds. Thanks. Mon Nov 02 09:15:12 -0800 2009 5148619 19782 Full tummy 5 5150030 I haven't noticed a sign or name for the farm, but it is run by Roger Harley, the featured farmer on the Rowe Farms website. We just stopped in one day and met him in person. I think he only supplies Rowe Farms because they are a cooperative, but maybe he sells directly from the farm also. His farm is located just north of Keene on Heritage Line. Mon Nov 02 13:40:23 -0800 2009 5149054 180331 earthygoat 6 5150398 Thanks!!! Mon Nov 02 15:45:16 -0800 2009 5150030 19782 Full tummy 1 5148528 I don't know how the pigs they use to make the bacon sold at Milbree-Viking are raised, but you should try it out. It's the best bacon I've found and the price is very reasonable. Mon Nov 02 06:16:45 -0800 2009 5148507 41175 foodyDudey 2 5148565 Ah, right, that's been on my radar to try, as I'm in that area regularly -- thanks for the reminder. Mon Nov 02 06:34:50 -0800 2009 5148528 12124 TorontoJo 1 5149520 Although I don't purchase pork myself, I've heard good things about HOPE Eco-Farms in southwestern Ontario, run by Mennonite farmers. I've seen their products at an independent supermarket in Toronto. Here's a quote from an article in The Tillsonburg News: http://www.tillsonburgnews.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2047048 "A fourth option would be HOPE Eco-Farms pastured heritage Berkshire pork, either as a roast or cured product such as ham. Either choice means sourcing a group of small, family farms in the Aylmer area, who share common ‘traditional’ agrarian practices, where says Franz Seeberger, a producer within the group, “a pig can be a pig.” His hogs run outdoors with access to shelter, are raised without antibiotics or hormones and fed a natural (non-GMO) diet including grass mixtures, forages, herbs, turnips, kale and mixed grains and flaxmeal. “It’s a totally different production system,” says Seeberger. Raising pigs this way takes longer, but also produces Omega 3 fatty acids. “Which has proven beneficial,” Seeberger added. Sales for HOPE are co-ordinated by Ira Stoll, (519-765-1031)." Another option is The Healthy Butcher. Mon Nov 02 11:32:27 -0800 2009 5148507 232011 Tatai 1 5149721 Here's your source: http://www.twincreeksfarm.ca/. His name is Gerald and he raises his pigs on pasture. His bacon is great. He's at Trinity Bellwoods on Tuesdays but the season is over. During fall and winter, he comes to town a couple of times per month. Join his mailing list and he'll let you know when he's coming. He usually sets up at either the Pantry on College or the White Squirrel on Queen. Mon Nov 02 12:31:30 -0800 2009 5148507 21022 acd123 2 5149745 Thanks for this!!! Mon Nov 02 12:36:17 -0800 2009 5149721 19782 Full tummy 2 5149753 Excellent, thank you! I've just signed up for his mailing list. Mon Nov 02 12:37:15 -0800 2009 5149721 12124 TorontoJo 3 5150176 I have signed too. I like the "Certified Naturally Grown" label rather than Certified Organic, with all its problems fees, and paperwork. http://www.naturallygrown.org/ Unfortunately there are only 3 farms in Ontario, certified this way. But there are many others using humane, natural farming methods, and unwilling to become organic, but finding it difficult to reach a willing market. Mon Nov 02 14:16:52 -0800 2009 5149753 56131 jayt90 1 5150133 I get my pork from Perth Pork Products. http://www.perthporkproducts.com/view.php?public/Home Outstanding stuff, and farmed ethically and sustainably. Mon Nov 02 14:06:50 -0800 2009 5148507 181385 Machiavelli 2 5151682 How do you get pork from Perth Pork Products, which is located near St. Mary's? Does he ship it to you r do you live close by? Tue Nov 03 07:19:35 -0800 2009 5150133 21022 acd123 3 5153666 we buy a whole or half hog in the winter to cure so we make a tripe to the farm. however i know fred comes to TO regularly so drop him a line and i'm sure something can be worked out. Tue Nov 03 17:35:29 -0800 2009 5151682 181385 Machiavelli 4 5153769 I called them based on your post (thanks by the way). They told me that they come to Toronto almost on a weekly basis. Didn't get too far on the specifics because I'm currently working through my first half hog. Tue Nov 03 18:24:51 -0800 2009 5153666 157056 grandgourmand 1 5150217 TorontoJo, maybe you'd like to share a bacon weave with me? :) I, too, am hooked on the stuff! Have you checked out Fresh From the Farm? http://www.freshfromthefarm.ca/ While they are not "pasture-raised" they are given huge pens to grow big, fat, and tasty in! We got a ham from there for Thanksgiving and it was brings-tears-to-yours-eyes delicious - far superior to any pork we've had in the city. Mon Nov 02 14:31:48 -0800 2009 5148507 126622 CanadaSweetheart 2 5150323 Yep, I've tried FFtF bacon, and I find it just ok. It still gives off a ton of water when cooking. But I usually get my turkeys there and am always happy with the quality. Mon Nov 02 15:09:52 -0800 2009 5150217 12124 TorontoJo 3 5150404 I agree regarding the bacon. Not smokey enough. But, I also agree with CanadaSweetheart, their hams are exceptional. I had a big bone-in ham for Easter dinner, and I have never had a ham so moist, delicious, and nicely smoked, too. Mon Nov 02 15:46:51 -0800 2009 5150323 19782 Full tummy 3 5151208 I was buying bacon from FFtF for over 5 years, but was never really happy with it. as it would usually be at least 80% fat. I hated pouring that much fat out of the pan after frying the bacon. The Milbree Viking bacon is superior in taste and the last 5 batches were no more than 20% fat, with a great smoky taste. Mon Nov 02 23:00:44 -0800 2009 5150323 41175 foodyDudey 1 5150999 Pretty sure the Healthy Butcher on Queen West uses pasture raised pork to make their house double smoked bacon. It is also the best bacon I have ever had, I crave it constantly...some would go real nice about now actually. Mon Nov 02 19:57:38 -0800 2009 5148507 280084 JPJ