Is the Wellshire Product I purchased fully cooked?

As per USDA regulations, if a product is not fully cooked, there must be safe handling instructions listed on the label. If there are no safe handling instructions present, then that product is fully cooked.

I purchased a Wellshire ham. How long should I cook it?

Your Wellshire Farms ham is fully cooked and requires no heating before being served. Over heating can dry out the ham. However, if you prefer to warm the ham, remove all packaging and place in a pan with 1/4 inch of water and cover to retain moisture. Heat at 325 degrees until the internal temperature reaches 130 degrees (typically 7-8 minutes per pound). You can check the internal temperature by using a standard meat thermometer.

What exactly is gluten and how could it have an adverse effect on my child?

Gluten is a protein and one of the main triggers for a digestive condition called Celiac's Disease. Gluten is found in foods made with wheat, barley and rye. When someone has a food sensitivity to gluten, there is a reaction that can cause damage to the small intestine which in turn could lead to malabsorption of nutrients which in turn could cause behaviorial and health issues by not allowing the child or adult the proper nutrition they require.

How are our animals treated?

All animals raised for Wellshire Farms are raised on family friendly farms, range free and stress free. They are fed an all natural grain feed diet. We have an independent third party monitor these farms as well.

Why are over-processed meats bad for the health of my family?

Briefly stated, over processed meats include substances such as nitrites, phosphates, food starches, food by-products, antibiotics, growth stimulants, and MSG. In many instances, these substances can have an adverse effect on mental and physical health of some children and adults. At Wellshire Farms, our products ate 100% All-Natural and contain no ingredients that are chemically abstracted.

What is Third Party Auditing, and how does it assure Wellshire Farms products are top quality?

All aspects of our operation, from farmer to processor is audited by an independent third party company to assure the highest quality products available. The third party is an added insurance to the consumer that every aspect of the production meets the highest standards of excellence and that no stone is left unturned so to speak.

What is the "Smart Chart" and how can it help me when selecting products and reviewing?

Wellshire Farm's Smart Chart is a new and innovative way to identify the nutritional benefits of all of our products. The chart is found on all of our packaging and clearly denotes whether the product is free of dairy, gluten, or soy and can even tell you the protein level per serving of the product that you are eating.

I noticed that all of your products have no water added, how is that beneficial?

Having no water added to our products is beneficial for a number of reasons. Firstly, in our packages you are getting more meat for your money. If even 10% water was added to the package, that would be 10% less meat product you are buying. Secondly, in our packages, you get more meat to eat. You will get fuller on 2 oz. of our meat products where it would take 2.6 oz. of another product to fill you up. This also means more protein is being absorbed. Thirdly, the meat is not diluted in any way. And lastly, when our meat products are cooked, there is no excess water so the product just simmers in its own natural juices and seasoning.

Is there MSG in any of the Wellshire Farms Products?

No, there is no MSG in any Wellshire Products. Some people argue that the autolyzed yeast is some of our product is MSG. Autolyzed Yeast is a naturally occurring MSG, not an added MSG. The USDA does not define this as MSG.

What does "uncured" and "cured" mean?

As per the USDA, any food items that typically contain Sodium Nitrate are considered cured items. When nitrites and nitrates are not present they must be labeled as uncured. This is why our ingredients statements say "seasoned with" instead of "cured with."