North Country Smokehouse

NCS Voted Best Spiral-Cut Ham

November 2, 2023 by North Country Smokehouse

The Best Spiral-Cut Ham

North Country Smokehouse Organic Uncured Maple Bone-In Whole Ham

By Serious Eats

This ham arrived frozen and tightly wrapped in a plastic coating and mesh bag. We loved its smoky flavor and the spiral cut made it super easy to slice and serve.

What we liked: Sometimes you just wanna eat ham and not saw away at one, ya know? While spiral-cut hams do have a tendency to dry out faster, if you cover one with aluminum foil and cook it low and slow in a water bath, it should emerge juicy and glistening. This smoky ham had a faint touch of sweetness to balance out the savory, and since it was spiral sliced, it was easy to serve.

What we didn’t like: The instructions for heating do not mention tenting the ham in foil, and as a result, our ham came out a tad drier than we would’ve liked—however, the instructions online do mention tenting. It’s also quite expensive (though it is huge).

Price at time of publish: $161.

Key Specs

Shipping notes: The box was a bit dinged up and bashed, but the ham itself was still nestled between four ice packs and arrived frozen.

Weight: 18 lbs

Spiral-cut: Yes

Smoked: Yes

Wood chips: Doesn’t say

Glaze included: No

Read the full article here.

New USDA Organic Standards For Livestock

October 31, 2023 by North Country Smokehouse

USDA Publishes New Standards for Organic Livestock and Poultry Production, Promotes More Competitive Organic Market

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2023 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today previewed the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) final rule. This new rule establishes clear, strong and consistent standards for organic livestock and poultry production, levels the playing field for organic livestock farmers, ranchers and businesses and promotes fairer, more competitive markets for their products, while providing consumers with more transparency about their purchases.

“USDA is creating a fairer, more competitive and transparent food system. This organic poultry and livestock standard establishes clear and strong standards that will increase the consistency of animal welfare practices in organic production and in how these practices are enforced,” said Vilsack. “Competitive markets help deliver greater value to all producers, regardless of size.”

This change was driven by strong interest from consumers and the organic industry. USDA encouraged the public to comment and USDA received more than 40,000 written comments, all of which were carefully reviewed to inform drafting of this final rule. USDA also held a listening session on August 2022 to hear public comments on the proposed rule.

OLPS improves uniformity with regard to animal welfare practice requirements for organic livestock and poultry, promoting their well-being and natural behaviors.

The final rule outlines more consistent standards for six key areas, including:

•Outdoor space requirements: OLPS sets minimum outdoor space requirements for organic poultry and requires ready access to the outdoors. Outdoor areas must be at least 75 percent soil and include vegetation to the degree possible.

•Indoor and outdoor living conditions: Shelters must have sufficient space for livestock to lie down, stand up, turn around, fully stretch their limbs or wings and express natural behaviors, such as rooting in pigs and scratching in chickens. Bedding areas must be sufficiently large and comfortable to keep livestock hygienic (for the species), dry and free of lesions.

•Poultry stocking densities: The rule sets specific requirements for indoor and outdoor stocking densities to align with advisory board recommendations, third-party animal welfare standards and public comments from organic stakeholders.

•Preventative health care practices: Producers must maintain preventative health care practices that include sufficient nutrition and comprehensive parasite prevention plans. Animals must be treated with allowed medicines to minimize pain, stress and suffering. All necessary treatment must be administered, even if the animal loses its organic status.

•Physical alterations and euthanasia: Physical alterations are permitted only for identification purposes or the safety of the animals, and certain alterations are prohibited altogether. Alterations must be performed at a young age for the species and in a manner that minimizes the animal’s pain and stress. Humane euthanasia may only be used if treatment is not an option.

•Transport, handling and slaughter: Operations must describe how organic management and animal welfare will be maintained for transport that exceeds eight hours. Animals must be fit for transport. The mode of transport must be seasonally appropriate to protect livestock from cold or heat. Operations must adhere to USDA (FSIS) humane slaughter standards.

In partnership with USDA-accredited certifiers, USDA’s National Organic Program will oversee the implementation of and enforce compliance with these new, more consistent standards to support the growth of the organic market.

Implementing OLPS will give organic livestock and poultry farmers, ranchers and businesses – including those interested in transitioning to organic – more opportunities to compete fairly in the market. The rule supports ongoing consumer confidence and trust in the USDA organic seal by better aligning the organic standards with consumers’ expectations for animal welfare. Many consumers are willing to pay a premium for organic livestock products, particularly for the organic chicken, egg and meat industry. By increasing consumer trust in the organic label by aligning the organic standard with consumers’ animal welfare preferences, USDA is helping to deliver greater value to producers, and creating a fairer, more competitive and transparent food system.

Today’s announcement supports USDA’s ongoing National Organic Program mission to protect the integrity of the USDA organic seal and maintain strong consumer confidence in the label. USDA-certified organic products are an increasingly important part of American agriculture, and the organic community represents a fast-growing food and farming sector in the United States and the global marketplace.

Earlier this year, the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) previewed the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule. The final rule is the biggest update to the organic regulations since the original Act in 1990, providing a significant increase in oversight and enforcement authority to reinforce the trust of consumers, farmers and those transitioning to organic production.

The final rule will be published in the Federal Register. A preview of the rule is available on the AMS website.

NCS Named #1 Mail Order Bacon

October 20, 2023 by North Country Smokehouse

NCS Named Tastiest Bacon You Can Get Delivered

By Smoked BBQ Source

1. North Country Smokehouse

Bacon, considered by many to be the food of the gods, is one of humanity’s greatest inventions and should be part of most if not all, meals.
This family-owned smokehouse is our favorite source of bacon you can feel good about eating.

They smoke their bacon low and slow and don’t use nitrites or nitrates. That’s why you’ll see it labeled “Uncured”.

All products are all-natural, certified humane®, and organic.

You can find a wide variety of bacon products including applewood smoked bacon in thick cut or whole slab.

For the health-conscious bacon lover, there is the sugar-free applewood smoked bacon, and then you have our personal favorite, cob smoked bacon. Bacon smoked over a bed of corn cobs to produce a stronger smoke flavor than typical hardwood.

If you’re struggling to pick, you can’t go wrong with the Bacon Lovers Gift Box. A 15-pound selection of the best of North Country Smokehouse.

Read the full article here.

Lessen Your Foodie Footprint

August 16, 2023 by North Country Smokehouse

Lessen Your Foodie Footprint

If you’re serious about the food you eat and where it comes from then it’s time to embark on a journey toward a sustainable food system that champions both organic goodness and animal welfare. Don’t let these big ideas seem daunting. Like most things, it takes a little time to sort out but you’ll find these best-practices baked into your daily routine – in no time at all. Remember, progress over perfection – people, animals and the planet win big when everyone puts forth a little effort.

1.) Shop Local, Seasonal, Certified Humane & Organic
Support local farmers and community-supported agriculture (CSA) when you can. This reduces the environmental impact of the country’s supply chain. Choose seasonal foods and opt for humanely raised and organic options. Not only will you help to improve an animals quality of life but you’ll minimize pesticide use and their adverse effects.

2.) Reduce Food Waste
Plan your meals and buy only what you need. This limits the amount of packaging hitting your local landfill. Compost your food scraps. It’s a great way to dispose of organic food waste and give the soil the nutrients it needs to thrive.

3.) Support Sustainable Farming Practices
Look for certifications like USDA Organic, Certified Humane Raised & Handled, Global Animal Partnership Certified, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) that ensure sustainable farming and fishing practices. These agencies audit food producers to ensure they are operating by ethical standards.

4.) Minimize Packaging & Single Use Plastics
Choose products with minimal packaging or opt for reusable packaging and containers. Avoid single-use plastics by bringing your own reusable shopping bags to the grocery store with you.

5.) Advocate for change
Spread awareness about the importance of sustainable food systems to your friends, family, and community. Better yet, make them a meal using some of your favorite, sustainably sourced foods. It’s a great way to get the conversation going.

6.) Support Regenerative Agriculture
Look for products from farms that employ regenerative agricultural practices, such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and regenerating soil health. These practices help sequester carbon, promote biodiversity, and enhance soil fertility.

Remember, making small changes in your daily habits can have a significant and positive impact on the sustainability of our food system. Vote with your wallet. Buy from brands you believe in, and support the good work of our nation’s farmers who dedicate their lives to bringing wholesome, healthy, environmentally friendly eats to your table.

NCS Named #1 Store Bought Bacon

July 25, 2023 by North Country Smokehouse

It’s hard to fathom now, but there once was a time when Americans wanted nothing to do with bacon.

This dark age was known as the 1980s. A wave of anti-fat hysteria swept the country, and no self-respecting adult would be caught dead with greasy fingers from rich, crispy, pan-fried pork bellies. Instead, some consumers turned to dubious breakfast alternatives like Sizzlean, a purportedly healthier, but still highly processed meat product, promising 50% less fat—and no shrinkage from cooking.

Thankfully, those days are long gone. Bacon is chic again and has been for quite some time. Yet, in some ways, we’re still grasping for its purest expression, but just going about it in a very different way. Rather than removing the fat, contemporary pork producers are eliminating other things, like nitrates and artificial ingredients.

Modern better-for-you bacon is available from many brands in many varieties, often at a higher price than the classic, additive-laden pork strips of yore. They all clearly promote their quality standards on the packaging, but which ones taste the best?

To find out, I recently rounded up a thick stack of various bacons from several reputable producers and packed them up for a camping trip with a large group of dad friends. We cooked the bacon on a large cast iron grill top, placed over a hot fire pit. I later followed up by frying the same brands in a skillet for my family back at home. Both my friends and my family had a lot of opinions.

Here’s how each kind of bacon fared, ranked in order from the least impressive to the very best. To be clear: none of these bacons tasted bad. (Does real bacon ever taste bad?) But some smoky flavors simply stood out above the rest.

This variety from North Country Smokehouse is made a little differently than all the others. It’s smoked over a bed of corn cobs, “rendering a stronger smokiness than hardwood for a traditional flavor that’s well-loved throughout New Hampshire and Vermont,” according to the company’s website.

It carries both Animal Welfare Certified and Certified Humane logos, and pledges no antibiotics, no added hormones, no liquid smoke, fillers, or dyes. Ingredients include the usual sea salt and celery powder, but also turbinado sugar and maple syrup.

Holy smokes! It is good—striking an impressive balance of sweet, smoky, savory, and salty flavors, with a subtle but noticeable hint of maple. My youngest child described it as “like a canon of really good flavors, bursting into your mouth.” The missus called it “so rich and delicious,” adding, “I had half a slice and had to go back for more.” The campfire crew really liked it, too.

Both the Nature’s Rancher and North Country Smokehouse varieties are exceptional and either would significantly enhance your breakfast spread or BLT. But, as the only taster to try each brand multiple times, I give the edge to North Country for its extra layers of flavor and uncommon corn-cob approach. Look for it at Whole Foods, Wegmans, Target, Stop & Shop, and other retailers.

Read the full article here.

2023 sofi ™ Award in New Product Category

June 20, 2023 by North Country Smokehouse

Thick Cut Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon Recognized for Culinary Excellence

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) awarded North Country Smokehouse the prestigious sofi ™ Award for the New Product category. The sofi ™ Awards, short for Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation, recognizes creativity and culinary excellence within the specialty food industry.

The judging for the 51^st annual sofi ™ Awards took place at the Food Innovation Center at Rutgers University, the esteemed partner of SFA for these awards. Expert evaluators from the center conducted anonymous tastings across fifty-three categories, meticulously assessing products based on flavor, appearance, texture, aroma, ingredient quality, and innovation. Among 97 exceptional specialty food products that received Gold and New Product trophies, North Country Smokehouse prevailed in the New Product category for their new to market, Thick Cut Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon. Handcrafted with expertise and a commitment to excellence, they have once again proven their dedication to producing exceptionally flavorful smoked meats made with respect for people, animals, and the environment.

The winners of the sofi ™ Product of the Year Award and New Product of the Year Awards will be featured at the 2023 Summer Fancy Food Show in New York. For more information about the SOFI Awards and a complete list of 2023 winners, please visit the Specialty Food Association’s official website at www.specialtyfood.com.

NCS Voted Best Spiral-Cut Ham

The Best Spiral-Cut Ham