I was feeling overwhelmed and very sad (various matters) when a friend knocked at my door and asked if I wanted to come along with her to an organic meat shop.
While there, my heart beat faster and faster in wonder and amazement.
“Do you by chance know which chicken parts produce the most gelatin?”
Yes, the legs. Here.
Oh! That was easy.
“Hmmm…How often do you have bones available?”
All day, every day. Here’s buffalo, lamb, goat, beef, chicken…
Well, be still my heart! And then the fellow starts telling me how he prepares them to draw the marrow out. Am I in heaven? Am I having a real, live GAPS conversation?? He mentions smashing the bones.
“Oh?! Can you by chance smash these ones for me?”
Of course!
Well, blow me away…
Figuring I’m about to push my luck, I ask: “By any chance do you carry animal fat?”
Of course. From which animal?
Any animal.
“Well, we have beef, duck…”
I thought I was going to faint on the spot.
For a year and a half on GAPS, I have not been able to find animal fat, whole fish, or smashed bones. For the last month, I haven’t even been able to find bones, period, which has made my heart ache (we’ve seen the effects of being broth-less).
On our way out, bags of goods in hand, I said to my friend, “It’s like falling in love and Christmas all rolled into one. Heck, it’s like falling in love *on* Christmas.”
I feel weepy with gratitude. I know how lucky I am.
Our new source? Organic World’s Specialty Meats. Based in Maple Ridge, BC, Canada, this processor, distributor and wholesaler supplies Nature’s Fare and several other retail shops in BC. Besides the items mentioned, they have heart, livers, etc. The fellow helping me seemed passionate about getting additive-free meat to children. He was tuned in. They are so friendly and I bet they would do what they can to help you source these kinds of items. Folks in BC (and possibly worthwhile from elsewhere, too) can call 604-476-0717.
That actually brings tears to my eyes. Not just the find, but when you said, “Am I having a real live GAPS conversation?” THAT brings tears to my eyes. The other day, I thought I’d found someone to have a “GAPS conversation” with, but was wrong and walked away, feeling like I had said too much and the person thought I was crazy. I just HATE that feeling, when you know the truth, but no one will listen. I’m so happy you found that place!! I’m on the look out for mine!
How wonderful! you brought tears to my eyes . . .
Loved this post, Baden, and it’s Shakespearean Title, no so incidentally.
Eloïse
Wow- where I am there is nothing! I have to drive an hour and a half to get organic beef bones!
Hi Samara: If it’s any consolation, this is a four-hour drive from my home of eight years! But I can order in to my local health food store.
Best,
Baden
My current store doesn’t even have bones ATTACHED TO THE MEAT. Hahaha.