Chicken is one of the most consumed meats on the planet with the number of chickens (25 Billion) far outweighing the number of humans. So many people eat this delicious meat but how much do we really know about it?? Battery, free-range and organic are all terms we hear about but do we know what they really mean?

Battery farmed chickens These chickens are reared in an artificial environment, often in cages or cramped conditions. They are fed chemically-enhanced food that maximises their growth and are kept in sheds where powerful lights are constantly on so that the chickens thinks it’s daytime, therefore eating more food and growing larger quicker. Although less ethical than other types of chicken this is the cheapest and the most common found in supermarkets.

Free-range Chickens These chickens have to be allowed to roam outside. It is worth noting that there are no laws to suggest how large this environment is, or for how long – so they may not be the open-farm animals you imagined. The meat is more expensive than battery but is considered more ethical. The chickens are usually slightly smaller but the quality of meat is typically better.

Organic chickens These are fed without any hormones, chemicals or fertilisers and are also given access to the great outdoors. Organic chicken is the only one that is chemical free but it comes at a price. Organic chickens can be up to twice the price of battery farmed chickens. On the other hand it is much more ethical and a great deal more environmentally friendly.

Here at SORTED we understand times are tough and you can’t always go for the ethical option if your budget doesn’t allow it. So this week’s meal pack makes going ethical and environmentally friendly easy. These recipes help you to get more out of your chicken and save you money. Whatever type of chicken your budget allows, be it conventional, free range or organic we will get you using every last bit of it.