Step into the world of Joyce Farms' Poulet Rouge® Chicken, where traditional French genetics and a commitment to natural, slow growth unite to redefine the taste of chicken.
The Poulet Rouge® Heritage Chicken represents the pinnacle of poultry quality, rooted in rich French origins and preserved through dedicated farming practices. This exceptional breed, renowned for its superior flavor, succulent texture, and thin, crispy skin, has been a centuries-long staple in the culinary world for its ability to elevate dishes from great to extraordinary. By bringing these heritage genetics to the United States, the Joyce family has ensured that the Poulet Rouge® remains true to its origins.
Raised with care and adhering to responsible and sustainable farming practices, the Poulet Rouge® Heritage Chicken offers a taste experience like no other, making it the choice of top chefs and discerning consumers who value tradition and quality.
Slow-growing heritage breed from France with a history and reputation for culinary excellence.
Raised on small family farms in North Carolina, fed a wholesome diet free of antibiotics, pesticides, and chemicals, ensuring the purest quality.
Raised humanely on pasture-centered farms, promoting natural behaviors and enhancing soil health through regenerative agriculture. No chemicals are used on grazing pastures.
Air-chilled to preserve natural flavor and texture, ensuring a fresher, more flavorful product.
By the early 2000s, the Joyce family were already pioneers of all-natural chicken, offering one of the first antibiotic-free chicken options, now known as Naked Chicken - the best chicken in America.
Determined to offer something even more extraordinary, they embarked on a quest to find the best chicken in the world. This journey led them to France's renowned Label Rouge program, this government-sponsored initiative preserves heritage-breed poulets fermiers, enforcing stringent standards for quality and flavor. From this program, the Joyce family selected the cou nu breed, known for its featherless neck, tall stature, and lean breast. They coined the name "Poulet Rouge Fermier" for this bird, making it America's first authentic genetic line from the Label Rouge Program, grown to similar standards.
Joyce Farms Poulet Rouge® Heritage Chickens proudly align with the Better Chicken Commitment, meeting all its stringent standards. Our dedication to elevated animal care is verified through our GAP Step 4 Certification by the Global Animal Partnership Animal Welfare Program. The Better Chicken Commitment is a science-based welfare policy addressing issues related to breeding for fast growth and high yield, housing conditions, stocking density, and slaughter practices. Our adherence to these standards reflects our unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality and ethically raised poultry for our customers.
Our heritage breed chickens are pasture-raised, enjoying freedom to roam and forage with barn access for safety and comfort. This humane treatment not only improves the quality of life for the birds but also enhances the flavor and nutritional profile of the meat.
Additionally, our regenerative farming practices help build soil health and promote biodiversity. Through High Intensity Periodic Grazing (HIPG), our birds positively impact the land by naturally fertilizing and allowing pasture recovery between flocks. Wood shavings from our chicken houses are spread on crop fields, contributing significant organic matter and nitrogen to the soil. We maintain no-till practices in our grazing pastures, seed with a mix of non-GMO, regeneratively managed species, and integrate different livestock to enhance biodiversity and soil fertility. No fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides are used on our pastures, furthering our commitment to a healthy environment.
Unlike modern fast-growing chickens, bred to reach 7 pounds in just 6 weeks, our heritage chickens take at least 80 days to reach a live weight of 4.75 pounds. This slower growth rate allows intramuscular fat to develop, producing juicier, more flavorful chicken with superior texture. At Joyce Farms, we believe you can't rush quality. While commercial chickens grow about 325% faster than they did in the 1950s, we prioritize traditional, slower methods. Our Heritage Poulet Rouge® Chickens spend around 12 weeks on the farm, requiring more feed and care. And yes, they might cost a bit more. But every extra day and dollar ensures superior quality and nutrition in every bite, improved animal welfare, and a healthier environment through ethical practices. Learn more about the benefits of slow-growing chicken breeds in our blog post "Worth the Wait: The Benefits of Slow-Growing Chicken Breeds" and check out our informative infographic.
Infographic excerpt shown below. Click here to view full infographic.
Raised on small family farms in North Carolina, our Poulet Rouge® chickens are fed a wholesome diet free of antibiotics, pesticides, and chemicals. We ensure that our chickens receive only the best nutrition, promoting their health and the purity of the meat. By maintaining strict "nothing added ever" standards, we guarantee the highest quality and safest product for your table.
Our chickens are hand-harvested at our plant with utmost care, achieving 100% in our animal welfare audits for the past eight years. Our ozone water processing leaves no harmful by-products and reverts back to pure oxygen, ensuring our poultry remains healthier and more flavorful. Last but certainly not least, air chilling locks in the natural juices and flavors, resulting in tender, mouthwatering chicken that will elevate any dish to gourmet status.
Joyce Farms' Poulet Rouge® Heritage Chicken is renowned for its rich flavor, succulent texture, and thin, crispy skin. This slow-growing heritage breed has been a staple in the culinary world for its ability to elevate dishes from great to extraordinary. Each serving promises a depth of flavor that turns ordinary meals into unforgettable culinary events. Our Poulet Rouge® Heritage Chicken embodies excellence through its meticulous farming practices, delivering a taste that will impress both you and your guests.
Joyce Farms' Poulet Rouge® Heritage Chicken is renowned for its rich flavor, succulent texture, and thin, crispy skin. Sourced from the distinguished French Label Rouge program, this slow-growing heritage breed has been a staple in the culinary world for its ability to elevate dishes from great to extraordinary. Each serving promises a depth of flavor that turns ordinary meals into unforgettable culinary events.
- CHEF ANTIMO DIMEO
Chef/co-owner: Bardea Food & Drink, Bardea Steak, Pizzeria Bardea
Elevate your culinary creations with Joyce Farms' Poulet Rouge® Heritage Chicken. Experience the unparalleled taste and quality that top chefs and food enthusiasts have trusted for years.
