When you buy fresh chicken online, a fair question often comes to mind: "What does 'fresh' actually mean, and how does it stay that way?" Terms like “fresh” and “freshness guaranteed” are used so frequently that its meaning can get lost.
What does 'fresh' actually mean, and how does it stay that way?
For us, freshness isn’t a marketing slogan; it’s the result of a deliberate, step-by-step process designed to maintain the quality of our chicken from the moment it leaves the farm to the moment it arrives at your home.
This is a look at how that process works.
We Start with a Better Foundation
The final quality of any food is tied to its origin. We believe a better chicken comes from a better environment, which is why we partner with local farms that are Humane Certified. Our chickens are free-range, giving them the space to roam and develop leaner, more flavorful meat.
Their diet is a key part of this foundation. We provide 100% non-GMO vegetarian feed, with our organic chickens receiving certified organic feed. Importantly, our entire flock is raised without the use of antibiotics or added hormones. This commitment ensures the chicken you receive is pure and of high quality.
Rapid Chilling for Freshness
Once the chickens leave the farm, the next priority is to preserve their freshness and ensure safety. We use a methodical ice-chilling process where the poultry is quickly cooled in purified ice water. The primary goal of this step is to rapidly lower the temperature of the meat to 22°F, which effectively locks in its natural texture and flavor.
This swift and controlled chilling is a fundamental step in food safety and preservation, ensuring the chicken maintains its integrity right before it is prepared for your specific order.
The Race Against Time: Butchering and Packing
After chilling, the race against the clock starts. Our chicken is butchered and packed to order, meaning the product isn’t sitting on a warehouse shelf for long periods. Our team prepares the specific cuts you ordered, and then each piece is immediately vacuum-sealed.
This step is crucial for two reasons. First, removing the air from the package significantly slows down oxidation, preserving the color and quality of the meat. Second, it creates a secure, leak-proof package that protects the chicken from freezer burn if you choose to freeze it for later use.
The Final Mile: Shipping to You
Once packed, your order is placed in a shipping box with thick insulation and multiple frozen gel packs to guarantee freshness for up to 50 hours. The goal is to create a stable, cold environment that maintains a safe temperature throughout transit. We use shipping services that ensure your order arrives within a specific, short timeframe. From the time it is packed to the time it gets to you, the cold chain is maintained without interruption. Orders received by 6 PM ship out right away on the following business day (Tuesday to Saturday.) Learn more on “how it works.”
Our promise of freshness is simply a commitment to this entire process. It’s a series of intentional choices—from the humane farm conditions and clean diet to the rapid chilling and secure packing—all working together to ensure the chicken you receive is in its optimal state.