FAQs and Terminology
Terminology and FAQs
Organic, GMO-free, grass-fed, pasture-raised, free-run, halal, and zabiha are used in different ways across the food industry. BlossomPure uses these terms carefully so customers can understand the standards behind each product.
TERMINOLOGY:
"Grass-fed": This term can be confusing because it does not always mean the animal was grass-fed for its entire life.
What it means for BlossomPure: When we say 100% Grass-Fed & Finished, we mean the animal was raised on grass from start to finish and was not grain-finished. In colder months, cattle may receive hay or haylage, which is fermented forage made from grass.
"Pastured" or "Pasture-Raised": This refers to animals or poultry raised with outdoor pasture access when the season and weather allow. Pasture gives animals space to move naturally and forage in a more traditional farming environment.
What it means for BlossomPure: Our pasture-raised chicken and turkey are raised outdoors on pasture during suitable seasons, with access to fresh air, sunshine, grass, and natural foraging. Their feed is supplemented as needed with certified organic feed to support healthy growth and balanced nutrition.
"Pasture-Raised & Organically-Fed Turkey": Our turkey is raised on pasture when the season and weather allow, where the birds can move freely outdoors and forage naturally. Because Canadian winter weather can make pasture access impractical, especially for late-season batches, the birds are also supported with certified organic feed as needed for healthy growth and balanced nutrition. This is why BlossomPure turkey may be described as both pasture-raised and organically-fed.
"Certified Organic Chicken": Our certified organic chicken is raised indoors in clean, carefully maintained barns with room to move. The birds are cage-free, not cramped, and are fed certified organic, non-GMO feed exclusively. Certified organic chicken should not be confused with pasture-raised chicken, which is a separate seasonal poultry program.
"Free Range": Animals have access to the outdoors.
"Free Run": Poultry are free to move indoors and are not kept in cages. This does not necessarily mean outdoor pasture access.
"GMO": A genetically modified organism is an organism whose genetic makeup has been modified using biotechnology. BlossomPure prioritizes products and farms that avoid GMO feed, GMO crops, and GMO ingredients where applicable.
"Halal" and "Zabiha": Halal refers to what is permissible according to Islamic dietary guidelines. At BlossomPure, slaughtered meats are done by hand حلال Zabiha, with care taken for humane handling and reduced animal stress.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Where do your eggs and pasture-raised poultry come from?
Our eggs and seasonal pasture-raised poultry come from trusted Mennonite and local farming communities. Birds are raised with care according to the product standard listed on each product page.
Where does your certified organic chicken come from?
Our certified organic chicken comes from selected farms that specialize in high-quality certified organic poultry. These chickens are raised indoors in clean, well-maintained barns, with space to move freely and certified organic feed.
Where does your beef come from?
Our local beef is raised for us by small Ontario farms, and our NZ beef comes from New Zealand pastures. Product pages identify whether a beef product is local or NZ.
Why isn't your local 100% grass-fed beef certified organic?
Organic certification is a formal process with specific regulatory requirements. BlossomPure works with farmers who follow high animal-welfare and land-stewardship standards, and our local beef standard focuses on 100% grass-fed and finished raising without grain finishing.
Can we visit the farms?
Our farmers work long days and many are part of Amish or Mennonite communities that value privacy. We respect their time while maintaining direct, transparent relationships with the farms we work with.
What are your criteria for farmers?
We look for farmers who care deeply for the animals, use responsible organic or biodynamic-style farming practices where applicable, protect the land, avoid unnecessary additives, and take pride in quality.
Is local produce or pasture-raised poultry available year-round?
Local produce and pasture-raised poultry are seasonal because Canadian weather limits outdoor growing and pasture conditions. We offer seasonal poultry fresh when available and frozen while quantities last.