One of the most important outcome of my children's food allergies is our family's deeper awareness on what is in the food we eat. During my elementary days, I remember being trained to eat a variety of foods specifically fruits, vegetables, meats/protein, grains and oil. In order to be healthy, we should avoid processed foods and choose food which are closest to it's natural state.
When I learned that I'm expecting my first child, I tried to make sure I provide the healthiest possible for my child. That included breastfeeding for more than one year exclusively, cooking more at home and even making my own baby food. Call me crazy but I did that to all four children.
After the kids were properly diagnosed with food allergies. I became more strict with their food. This meant I have to read everything on the label and even call companies if some of the ingredients were not clear.
Can you imagine my horror when I found out that majority of the basics such as milk, vegetables and yes, fresh chicken, pork, turkey and beef were loaded with unnecessary additives like antibiotics, hormones, preservatives and pesticides? Who knew that the "natural" foods we learned to be healthier are actually filled with toxic products? Even worse is the reality that we are buying and consuming products from sick animals. Oh and don't get me started on the things going on for ground meat products.
Anyway, that's when I decided that no matter how I like bargains, I would be willing to pay an extra dollar or more on the quality of the products I'll buy. What's the point of spending hours planning meals and home cooking if my ingredients aren't healthy to begin with?
That's why when I was contacted by Momsmeet to review Harvestland products, I was so thrilled.
Though Harvestland has a wide selection of precooked and processed (sausages, chicken patties), I decided to stick to their fresh raw chicken. Why? Well, I want to compare Harvestland to the brands that are cheaper. For this review, I focused on my favorite whole chicken.
As a seasoned home cook, I noticed right away that the Harvestland chicken doesn't have a really thick fatty skin. Yes, I'm one of those people who actually remove most (not all) of the chicken skin before cooking. Sad to say, there were times when I felt that about 1/5 of the amount I paid for is being thrown away.
For the two whole chickens I have, I used one to make Indian Spiced Roasted Chicken and the other for Chicken Tinola. One both recipes, I realized that each dish has produced lesser water or juices. That meant I was able to get more meat per weight. Who wants to pay for extra water weight?
Was the a significant taste difference that my children can detect on those dishes? Not really. However, I'm glad they are actually eating not only a delicious meal but healthier as well --- no antibiotics, pesticides, steroids, hormones. Don't just take my word for it. Harvestland is USDA Process Verified.
Since it's almost Valentine's day, I would like to give you a simple treat. I'm giving away a $5 Harvestland coupon to two (2) loyal readers here in the US. The giveaway starts today and will end on Feb. 27, 11:59pm EST.
Sounds good?
- Roz
Sounds good?
- Roz
(Note: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet Program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a MomsMeet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group, LLc or the manufacturer of this product.)
. Though the availability of gluten free recipe books has gone a long way since my children were diagnosed, Chef Aviva's cookbook made me really excited. 
