OUR PRODUCTS
Pork
Heritage Breed, Non-GMO Pasture-Raised Pork
Firsthand Foods’ remarkable network of pork producers raise their hogs in fields and woodlots in eastern North Carolina. Our farmers are members of the North Carolina Natural Hog Growers Association, a wholesale marketing cooperative certified by Animal Welfare Approved. They never use growth-promoting antibiotics or added hormones, and grow their own non-GMO crops for feed. Our hogs are all processed at Acre Station Meat Farm, a USDA-inspected Animal Welfare Approved small-scale, family-run facility in Pinetown.
Our farmers raise Old English style breeds that thrive outdoors, including Berkshire, Duroc, and Hampshire. In their natural habitat, they stay healthy and get plenty of exercise imparting a rich and distinctive meaty flavor.
One of our core values is accountability. We want our community of chefs, retailers and consumers to know and understand how the animals are raised and what goes into the quality pork we are proud to put our name on. We invite you to read our standards and producer protocols.
Recipe Ideas
Pork Chop Recipes – Brined, Baked & Fried
As we’ve explained in a separate post, pork chops can be a daunting cut of meat to prepare well. Here we offer three pork chop recipes that cook up great every time. First, try brining them to make sure they don’t dry out. Here’s an easy recipe we like that works for either boneless or… Read more »
Pork Chop Cooking Tips
Pork chops can be a daunting ingredient to prepare. Many of us have overcooked a pork chop and the memory of that unsatisfying meal left an impression. We want you to feel confident cooking Firsthand Foods products so we have put together these guidelines for delicious pork chops every time. Lay It Out. A room… Read more »
Basic Tender Pastry
We’re excited to share Sheri Castle‘s recipe for a basic tender pastry featuring Firsthand Foods’ leaf lard. Adaptable for pies or tarts, this recipe consistently delivers a delicious flaky crust. You can purchase our leaf lard at Weaver Street Market or from our on-line store. Enjoy!