If you’ve ever opened a pack of organic meat and noticed a slightly strong odour, you might have wondered whether something is wrong. At the Organic Butchery, we want to reassure you that this is completely normal — and, in fact, a sign of just how natural and additive-free your meat is.

Why Organic Meat Sometimes Smells Stronger

Unlike conventional meat, our organic meat is free from artificial preservatives, colour enhancers, and additives. These chemicals are often used in mass-produced meat to maintain a uniform pink colour and mask natural odours. Because we don’t use them, the natural smell of the meat can be more pronounced. This is particularly noticeable when the meat is first unpacked.

The initial aroma comes from natural enzymes and the ageing process. Organic meat is often slow-grown and traditionally handled, which can enhance flavour and tenderness but may also make the smell stronger at first.

Why This Is Specific to Organic Meat

• No additives: Preservatives can suppress odours in conventional meat. Organic meat relies solely on freshness and natural handling.

• Traditional ageing: Our beef, lamb, and game are often dry-aged or matured naturally, which develops flavour but also a more noticeable aroma.

• Animal diet: Organic animals eat a natural, varied diet (grass, forage, grains), which can affect the smell of their meat compared to intensively farmed animals.

How to Know Your Meat Is Fresh

Fresh, high-quality organic meat can have a distinctive aroma straight from the packaging, but there are clear signs to watch for to ensure your meat is still in good condition:

• The smell fades: Often, the initial odour dissipates after a short time in the fridge. If it does, this is a positive sign.

• Texture: Fresh meat should feel firm to the touch, not slimy or sticky.

• Colour: Organic meat may darken slightly due to the absence of colour-preserving additives — this is natural and safe.

If meat develops a sour or rancid smell that lingers, or the texture becomes slimy, these are signs it has gone bad and should not be consumed.

The Old-Fashioned Way

At the Organic Butchery, we provide meat the way it used to be — fresh, natural, and full of flavour. The subtle odour you may notice is just a reflection of our commitment to quality, animal welfare, and the natural lifecycle of organic meat.

By choosing organic meat, you’re enjoying the genuine taste of traditional farming, free from chemicals and artificial processing. And with the right handling, the freshness, tenderness, and incredible flavour will speak for themselves.