We now carry sausage from Firsthand Foods in Durham. Firsthand Foods connects North Carolina livestock producers with local sale outlets, like our stores. By maintaining a network of farmers, they are able to supply the volume and consistency that retailers need, building a bridge to grow our local food economy.
The farmers who supply Firsthand Foods raise their animals humanely, on pasture, without feeding antibiotics or using added hormones. All suppliers are paid fairly and follow a set of criteria that is published on Firsthand’s website. In addition, pork producers are members of the NC Hog Grower’s Association and follow Animal Welfare Approved standards (www.animalwelfareapproved.org). Firsthand Foods partners with small-scale processors for humane slaughtering of the animals. Firsthand Foods’ products meet our standards for sustainably raised meat.
The new sausages taste great. The recipe was developed by chef Drew Brown and includes only pork, salt, spices, and sugar: no fillers and no artificial colors. The sausages are packed in natural hog casings. We carry breakfast sausage, bratwurst, chorizo, and sweet or spicy Italian sausage. Basic sausage cooking instructions are available on Firsthand’s website (here), or try their recipe for Pasta with Spicy Italian Sausage (here).