Producer profile

Northwest Heritage Pork
Ephrata, Wash.

(Sound Consumer, August 2007) — PCC is delighted to be offering a new local, sustainably raised meat. You’ll be seeing the Northwest Heritage Pork label in stores now on a variety of pork products from Pure Country Pork Farms in Ephrata, Wash. PCC is the first and only grocer in Washington to carry this exceptional product.

The pigs are raised by farmer Paul Klingeman, who has been a pig farmer since the 1970s. Using humane and sustainable practices, Klingeman raises 6,000 to 8,000 pigs each year on his 110 acres.

He’s proud of the superior genetic qualities in his pigs but also attributes the premium taste of his pork to animals that simply are less stressed than others. “Basically, we’ve tried to do what our ancestors did in the ‘40s — but with new technology,” says Klingeman.

He feeds his pigs locally grown, non-genetically modified corn from neighboring farms and allows them to be the very social animals they are. Instead of isolating them in crates as is the convention among industrial producers, Klingeman has his pigs living together in a comfortable shelter with hay and straw with ready access to go outside or come in as they please.

Pure Country Pork Farms is the first pig farm in Washington to be certified by the Food Alliance, which recognizes farmers who produce food in a socially responsible manner.

On Klingeman’s farm, the animals’ well-being is monitored closely by people, not machines. “On a bigger farm, it’s all mechanized, so people are checking equipment and not the individual animals,” says Klingeman.

His herd never is given antibiotics or growth stimulants but instead receives exceptional care and attention to ensure they remain healthy. “We’ve worked very hard,” says Klingeman, “to keep disease out.”

Klingeman’s Northwest location also ensures that its meat is fresh and in PCC’s stores within a few days. Klingeman says his motto is “From our family farm to your family’s fork.” “I want to be able to sit at the same table with you,” he says, “and know that it’s good.”

Pork is a fantastic meat for the barbecue. Klingeman’s wife, Karrie, shares one of her tried-and-true pork recipes, below, that’s ideal for summer grilling.

Honey-Garlic Grilled Pork Chops

• 4 boneless pork chops, 1-inch thick
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoon soy sauce/tamari
• 1 tablespoon dry sherry
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Combine marinade ingredients and chops. Refrigerate 4 to 24 hours. Heat covered grill to medium heat. Remove chops from marinade. (Discard marinade.) Grill chops over direct heat for 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally.

Recipe courtesy of Karrie Klingeman, Pure Country Pork.
Sound Consumer, August 2007