Young Delaware Heritage Chicken Locally Pasture-Raised by Corvus Farm (Rob James)
Offered in limited quantities at a special discounted price exclusive to SFRAW. We are grateful to Rob for sharing the bounty of his emerging pasture-raised Heritage breed chicken project. We look forward to seeing this important project expand - a project that preserves biodiversity using pre-industrialized food ways with a focus on at-risk heritage breeds raised naturally on pasture.
The nearly extinct Heritage American Delaware chicken is listed as "recovering" and is included in the Ark of Taste of the international Slow Food Foundation.
These primarily dark meat birds are small: weighing in at only 1-1.3-lbs each. They're the perfect sized chicken for a single meal/per person, or could be used to feed a 50-lb dog as their full intake for one day. Alternatively, split the bird in-two and serve over two-days along with some tasty sides: scoop of chicken organs, frozen seafood, whole egg, green veggie puree and/or green tripe.
The Delaware chicken was developed in the 1940s by George Ellis in Delaware, USA. Initially known as the "Indian River" chicken, the breed quickly gained popularity due to its white plumage with black barring, which was preferred in the broiler industry because it didn't leave dark spots on the carcass. The Delaware chicken became the principal broiler fowl in the Delmarva Peninsula, supplying chicken to the entire East Coast of the United States.
The breed was recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1952, and the bantam version was added in 1960. Delaware chickens were known for their rapid growth and fast feathering, making them ideal for pastured meat production.
With the shift to modern factory farming, by the mid-1950s the White Cornish-Rock cross emerged and quickly replaced the Delaware chicken in commercial farming due to its even faster growth rates. This led to a sharp decline in the Delaware chicken's popularity, and by the 1960s, it was nearly extinct.
In the 21st century, conservation efforts have helped revive the Delaware chicken. Organizations like the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (now the Livestock Conservancy) have worked to preserve this heritage breed. Today, the Delaware chicken is listed as "recovering" and is included in the Ark of Taste of the international Slow Food Foundation.
Modern Day: While not as dominant as it once was, the Delaware chicken is being rediscovered by small farmers and homesteaders for its dual-purpose qualities and superior flavor. It remains a popular choice for those seeking a more sustainable and humane approach to poultry farming.
The Delaware chicken's journey from near extinction to a beloved heritage breed is a testament to the importance of preserving genetic diversity and sustainable farming practices.
Benefits of Heritage Breed Meat
Heritage breed animals, like the Delaware chicken, offer several advantages over industrialized breeds like the most commonly used Cornish Cross:
- Superior Flavor: Heritage breeds are known for their rich, robust flavor due to their slower growth rates and natural diets. Delaware chickens are known for their large muscular thighs with superior flavor; very little white meat insignificant breast.
- Nutritional Value: Heritage breeds often have higher nutritional content, including more omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins.
- Healthy Living Conditions: Heritage breeds are typically raised in more humane conditions, with access to pasture and a natural diet, reducing the need for antibiotics and artificial hormones.
- Environmental Adaptability: Heritage breeds are hardier and better adapted to local environments, making them more sustainable.
- Genetic Diversity: Preserving heritage breeds helps maintain genetic diversity, which is crucial for the resilience and sustainability of agriculture.
In summary, heritage breeds like the Delaware chicken offer a combination of superior flavor, better nutrition, and more sustainable farming practices compared to industrialized breeds.
