Marketing - Marketing - Marketing
It's awesome what a few chickens can teach you when you are willing to get your hands dirty and work. Dirty hands equal clean coops.
As a former city kid I also thought brown eggs were healthier. When they were first introduced to our grocery store they were labeled as "farm" and "fresh". Cartoons of chickens sitting on straw filled nests adorned the boxes. (not chickens stacked on top each other in cages) We really felt like we were getting something different and because it was fresh, it MUST be healthier!
After working in some food processing plants and finding out how the only difference in some butters - between the generic brand and the high dollar brand was the label on the box, I started to wise up.
I also learned there is no "butter" in most of them. It's flavored oil.
Marketing has a terrible influence on they way food tastes. The brain is a powerful influence on tastebuds. Cartoon pictures must taste good!
I homestead now and we grow, process and store 90% of all our food.
I have shared my farm foods with my family only to receive disappointing feedback. I kept trying, offering, being "so very generous" and sharing just to realize that if they aren't educated in the work, health benefits and the labor involved - they will never "get it".
Perhaps no one "tastes the pride" in what I do… but it happens to be my favorite flavor in each and every dish.
It has taken me 5 years to quit trying to rope my friends and family into the "real" side. I'm tired of getting my feelings hurt and it's not worth giving my hard work away to people who just don't appreciate it. It's a shame. I'm thankful that I can come here and post with people who have the same experiences. I always feel like I am doing something awesome sharing - and they Just. Don't. Get it.
There is so much independence, glory and pride in poultry. Don't beat yourself up trying to convert food zombies. They will come clamoring when they get sick (like I did) or when food gets too expensive… until then… enjoy yourself! Eat up! Your the chef who knows ALL of the ingredients!!